North Carolina's gubernatorial candidates spar -- but not head-to-head
North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, who's known for his confrontational style, says he won't share a stage with his opponents in the GOP's gubernatorial primary -- a strategy that has worked for other candidates in recent years.
Posted — UpdatedWhen early voting begins in North Carolina Thursday, voters will make a choice for governor — but without having seen the candidates side-by-side on a debate stage.
While the race for the open seat is expected to be one of the most competitive in the nation, the state’s March 5 primaries will likely come and go without any face-to-face squabbling.
Robinson’s unwillingness to debate is particularly notable because he has become known for his fiery rhetoric. And his commanding speaking style has been seen as a key asset and drawn praise from national political figures, including former President Donald Trump.
Folwell took Robinson to task for that decision during an appearance on WRAL’s “On the Record” program, which featured both Folwell and Graham. Robinson didn’t respond to multiple invitations to appear on the program.
Folwell said Robinson “refuses to show up for any job interview with your station or anywhere across North Carolina.”
WRAL reached out to Robinson’s campaign about comments made on the show. A campaign spokesman said Robinson had nothing to add beyond the comments he made in December, when he suggested that a debate would benefit his opponents.
David McLennan, a political science professor at Meredith College, said he’s not surprised Robinson is avoiding the stage with his opponents. It’s become a trend among frontrunners. “It’s a safe strategy for someone who’s got a lead in the polls,” McLennan said on “On the Record.”
Robinson caught up with her in the hallway of the legislature and said: "Next time, before you get ready to say something on that floor, come see me.”
Former President Donald Trump is using the same strategy in the Republican presidential primary. Trump has missed five GOP primary debates so far, skipping them voluntarily or failing to qualify because he refused to sign a pledge to support the eventual Republican nominee.
Once election season hits a fever pitch this fall, McLennan said voters may not be as forgiving of candidates who skip debates. In North Carolina, undecided voters may want to hear Robinson explain some of his more controversial comments on women and the LGBTQ community, McLennan said.
“He can’t avoid the tough questions,” McLennan said. “And I think when the attention gets placed on him more significantly in the general election, he may have to answer for some of his previous statements or policy decisions.”
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