Mt. Airy, North Carolina – Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson Hospitalized After Burns
On Friday, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson of North Carolina was hospitalized after suffering second-degree burns during a campaign appearance at the Mayberry Truck Show in Mt. Airy. According to a statement from his campaign, Robinson was treated at Northern Regional Hospital and is currently in good spirits.
Details of the Incident
The specific details surrounding the incident that led to Robinson’s injuries have not been disclosed. However, his campaign spokesperson, Mike Lonergan, indicated that the 56-year-old politician was expected to resume campaigning by Saturday morning.
Controversy Surrounding Robinson’s Campaign
This incident comes amid a tumultuous time for Robinson, who is currently running for governor. Just over a week prior, a CNN report revealed that he had made inappropriate comments on a pornographic website’s message board between 2008 and 2012. Robinson allegedly used the username “black NAZI” to post these remarks, which have drawn significant backlash and raised questions about his fitness for office.
Impact on His Campaign
Since the news broke on September 19, Robinson has faced a wave of resignations from his campaign staff. Key figures including the campaign manager, general consultant, senior adviser, finance director, and deputy campaign manager have all stepped down, reflecting the growing unease among his team and supporters.
The trouble doesn’t stop there for Robinson. His standing among Republican leaders appears to be waning as well. He did not appear at recent rallies held by former President Donald Trump in North Carolina, which further signaled troubles in his campaign. When asked about Robinson’s situation, Trump stated, “I don’t know the situation,” signaling a lack of commitment to backing Robinson.
Response from Republican Leaders
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell weighed in as well, suggesting that he was content to avoid backing Robinson. He expressed relief that there isn’t a Senate race in North Carolina, possibly hinting at a desire to distance himself from the controversy surrounding Robinson.
Robinson’s Stance
Despite these challenges, Robinson remains defiant and has vowed to stay in the race. He took to social media on Wednesday, emphasizing that the election should focus on policies, not personalities. Robinson urged his fellow party members to avoid what he termed “intra-party squabbling and nonsense,” suggesting that he believes there are more important issues at stake.
A Campaign in Turmoil
Robinson’s campaign has now entered a new phase of uncertainty as he balances recovery from his injuries with the ongoing fallout from the allegations against him. His commitment to continue campaigning reflects a larger struggle within his party as they navigate how to handle controversies that arise in the age of social media.
The political landscape in North Carolina continues to shift as stakeholders keep a close watch on Robinson and the implications of his actions on the upcoming election.
