This week, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump made campaign stops in North Carolina. Both candidates for governor, Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson and Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein, also spoke at these events.
On the same day Robinson joined Trump in Asheville, a group of progressive clergy, organized by Progress NC Action, criticized Robinson for his latest campaign ad. In the ad, Robinson and his wife, Yolanda Hill, discuss an abortion she had years ago. Robinson then says he supports the current law that bans abortion after 12 weeks, a big change from his previous stance.
Rev. Chalice Overy expressed doubt about Robinson’s new position, saying she doesn’t trust his commitment to the current law, especially since earlier this year, he pushed for a stricter six-week ban. When I asked Robinson’s campaign about this change, they only responded by criticizing the group that organized the news conference.
Later, Robinson explained on a Charlotte radio show that he hasn’t changed his view on abortion but has changed his approach. He believes it’s better to engage with women compassionately rather than dictate what they should do, leaving the decision up to them within the law.
Robinson can only change the state’s abortion law if the Republican-controlled N.C. General Assembly sends him a new bill to sign or veto if he becomes governor. However, key Republican lawmakers have indicated they don’t plan to pass stricter restrictions.
In other news, during the recent presidential visits, Stein and Robinson targeted each other in their speeches. Stein criticized Robinson, saying he would be “bad for people” and “bad for business.” Robinson responded by bringing up Stein’s wife, Anna Stein, who works at the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
Harris spoke in Raleigh about her economic plan, while Trump’s visit to Asheville also included Robinson’s comments about Anna Stein’s role at DHHS. A separate part of DHHS has been investigating a nonprofit previously owned by Robinson’s wife, which reportedly owes the state $130,000. Gov. Roy Cooper defended DHHS, stating that the agency is just doing its job to ensure government money is spent properly.
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