CHARLOTTE — A prominent North Carolina Republican is staying out of the gubernatorial race so far.
[ MORE: Businessman running for governor shares thoughts, goals ahead of NC primary ]
State Treasurer Dale Falwell said in a call with reporters last week that he would not support Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson for governor.
“I'm not going to waste my vote on anyone for the rest of my life,” Falwell said. “I've said before why I think he's the best person for this job. It's up to the Republican candidate to prove to voters, including myself, why he's the best person for the job. .”
Mr. Falwell has been highly critical of Mr. Robinson since losing to him in the Republican primary.
Falwell says the onus is on Robinson to prove he deserves the vote.
Asked about financial support or campaign support for Mr. Robinson, Mr. Falwell said he did not expect to be asked to do so.
Robinson's campaign has not commented on Falwell's lack of support.
Democrats were quick to capitalize on the disapproval.
A spokesperson for the Robinson Operations Office of the North Carolina Democratic Leadership Committee released the following statement:
“Mark Robinson’s uniquely fringe candidacy is so toxic that some of his party’s most prominent members are unable to stand behind him.” “He will have a hard time selling North Carolina's divisive and job-killing plan to independent voters. He needs to work to win this race.”
(See below: Gov. Josh Stein faces Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson in gubernatorial race)
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