North Carolina GOP Faces Fallout from Robinson Scandal

North Carolina's Republican gubernatorial nominee, Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson, faces a significant scandal involving inflammatory comments made over a decade ago, raising concerns about his viability in the upcoming election. Former Governor Pat McCrory has labeled Robinson a 'ticking time bomb' that could jeopardize Donald Trump's chances in the battleground state, where he trails Democratic candidate Josh Stein by 10 points in a recent poll. Robinson's controversial statements include self-identifying as a 'Black Nazi' and expressing support for slavery, leading to calls for him to withdraw from the race. Despite the backlash, Robinson has hired a law firm to investigate what he claims are false smears against him, while other Republicans, including the current lieutenant governor nominee Hal Weatherman, urge him to clarify his position quickly. The controversy could impact ticket-splitting behavior in North Carolina, where every vote is critical, especially as both Trump and Kamala Harris intensify their campaigning. As the election approaches, Robinson's ability to refute the allegations may determine not only his gubernatorial bid but also the overall electoral landscape in the state.