This week, WRAL News published a scathing editorial detailing an unresolved complaint against North Carolina governor candidate Mark Robinson. The complaint accused Robinson for violating multiple campaign finance laws; and after three years, there has been no explanation or remedy for these violations.
“Lieutenant Governor Robinson’s utter disregard for campaign finance laws and these serious violations should be disqualifying and serve as a major red flag to voters that he cannot be trusted,” said Tiffany Muller, President of End Citizens United // Let America Vote. “These aren’t just one off violations—Robinson appears to have a pattern of financial irregularities that begs the question: what is he trying to hide?”
WRAL News: Editorial: Lt. Gov. Robinson needs to answer questions of campaign finance irregularities
Capitol Broadcasting Company Editorial Board
1/10/24
Key points:
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Bob Hall, an ardent activist seeking broad voter participation and an equally energetic advocate for open and honest elections filed a complaint with the State Board of Elections. The complaint has not been resolved nor has Robinson’s campaign offered any explanations, corrections or remedies.
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From a review of Robinson’s 2020 campaign finance reports, it appeared to Hall that Robinson’s campaign may, among several concerns listed, have:
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Used campaign cash to pay off personal loans;
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Improperly Accepted anonymous donations in excess of the allowable limits;
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Accepted contributions from forbidden business sources;
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Accepted individual contributions in excess of the allowable limits;
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Accepted donations from out-of-state political action committees not authorized to be involved in North Carolina elections;
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Failed to disclose required donor identification information;
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Included discrepancies between total income from detailed contribution listing pages and that listed on the summary page.
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This is an on-going investigation – now better than three years without resolution. State law, enacted in 2018, made all complaints, responses, related materials gathered and produced during investigations secret.
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Mark Robinson, now a candidate for governor, owes it to the state’s voters to clear up these very serious concerns and questions.
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It would be one thing if these issues were an exception. But for Robinson, financial irregularities seem to be too much the norm in his campaigns and even his life.
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He’s even failed – until a news organization disclosed it – to file timely data on statements of financial interest state officials are required to complete.
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Given his record, after more than three years and as he asks for the vote of North Carolinians for governor, Robinson has an obligation to publicly answer, specifically and in detail, the concerns Hall raised.
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If he can’t and with the secrecy required of the State Board of Elections, it would be time for Wake County district attorney’s office – which has clearly established its non-partisan credentials — to step up and clear the air.
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