US election 2024: Top staffers quit North Carolina Republican campaign after porn website scandal

Several top staffers from North Carolina Republican Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson’s campaign for governor have resigned after a CNN report that revealed disturbing past posts allegedly made by Robinson on a pornography website’s message board.

The posts, dating back over a decade, included offensive remarks, such as calling himself a “black NAZI” and expressing controversial views on transgender pornography, Adolf Hitler, and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.

On Sunday, the campaign confirmed the departure of senior adviser Conrad Pogorzelski III, campaign manager Chris Rodriguez, the finance director, and the deputy campaign manager, according to news agency Associated Press (AP).

“I appreciate the efforts of these team members who have made the difficult choice to step away from the campaign, and I wish them well in their future endeavours,” Robinson said in a statement.

Pogorzelski, a key figure in Robinson’s political rise, mentioned that other staff members, including the deputy finance director and two political directors, also resigned.

He clarified in a text that they “left of our own accord”, reported the AP.

The controversy stems from a CNN investigation last week, which highlighted controversial posts allegedly made by Robinson in which he insulted prominent figures like then President Barack Obama and Martin Luther King Jr.

Robinson has denied making the posts and called them “salacious tabloid lies”.

Despite the controversy, he continued his campaign, attending a gubernatorial event on Saturday without directly addressing the claims, according to AP.

Robinson remains hopeful about his chances in the upcoming election against Democratic nominee Josh Stein, stating that polls have historically underestimated Republican support in North Carolina.

However, the allegations and the departure of key staff have raised concerns about the stability of his campaign.

On Sunday, Stein labelled Robinson “utterly unqualified” to be governor, while Republican US Senator Lindsey Graham called the allegations “unnerving” and said Robinson needs to offer a credible defence to clear his name.