Stein claims GOP endorsements, explains decision not to debate “fringe candidate” opponent

North Carolina Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein is surrounded by a group of prominent Republicans who endorsed his campaign for governor on Thursday in Raleigh. (Photo: Ahmed Jallow)

On the same day that his opponent, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, faced calls from within the Republican Party to withdraw from the race following a CNN investigation, Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein received the endorsement of a group of prominent Republicans Thursday in the race to be North Carolina’s next governor.

Stein held a press conference Thursday morning in Raleigh to launch the “Republicans for Stein” coalition, where he touted endorsements from former state Sen. Richard Stevens and other current and former Republican elected officials, along with business leaders from across the state.

“When we work together, we accomplish great things for the people of this state,” Stein said in a speech touting the endorsement. “That’s what leadership is, and that’s exactly how I will lead as the next governor of North Carolina.” 

In his remarks, Stevens criticized Robinson for his divisive rhetoric, warning that it could drive businesses away if he becomes governor. “Mark Robinson has made a name for himself by spreading division and calling fellow North Carolinians all kinds of hateful names. In my opinion, his leadership style would tarnish our reputation across the country,” he said. 

Stevens, a former Wake County manager, served five terms in the state legislature before resigning in 2012.

Other current and former GOP officials lending their names to the effort Thursday included: Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners chairman Steve Morris, Stanly County Commissioner Peter Asciutto, former State Senator Jim Davis, former State Representative Chuck McGrady, and state Representative Chuck Neely.

Regarding his decision to decline a debate with Robinson—despite having previously expressed openness to the idea—Stein said he “gave it a lot of thought” and opted not to give his opponent a platform.

“Mark Robinson is a fringe candidate,” Stein said. “He says that women are not called to lead. He says women have abortions because they can’t keep their skirts down. He says some folks need killing. He calls gay people filth and even more despicable insults than that, and I decided it’s not my job to give him a platform.” 

Stein also noted he has held 60 town halls and over 300 community meetings across the state. Robinson, who is trailing Stein significantly in the polls, called for a debate in a video released on social media Tuesday.

“I’ve already agreed to the Spectrum debate, I’ve already given them multiple dates,” Robinson said during the video, in which he calls Stein a “liar” and “cowardly.” “You have not answered.” 

Other speakers at Thursday’s event included businesswoman Parker Wilson, who expressed her disappointment in the current direction of the Republican Party.

“My family and I were all proud conservatives, and we deeply held to the belief that the GOP was the party of freedom and personal choice,” Wilson said. “The party of my youth no longer holds to those values, evidenced by the fact that Mark Robinson has been nominated to lead it.”