Primary opponents complain that Robinson is too extreme to represent district Rob Christensen, Staff Writer Vernon Robinson, the provocative former Winston-Salem city councilman who is an outspoken critic of illegal immigration, is once again an issue in Tuesday’s Republican primary for the 13th Congressional District seat.
Robinson is drawing criticism from his two primary opponents, who say his reliance on hotbutton issues and his slashing style are likely to hurt Republican efforts to take the House seat held by Democrat Brad Miller of Raleigh.
The district runs from Raleigh, up along the Virginia border, and back down into Greensboro.
John Ross Hendrix, a graphic artist from Cary, and Charlie Sutherland, a Rockingham County soap manufacturer, say Robinson’s brand of politics are too extreme for the district.
"Vernon, with his clownish antics, would probably be a complete embarrassment to the Republican Party," Hendrix said. "He’s basically fear mongering."
Sutherland says Robinson "kind of scares me."
"His message is not very friendly," Sutherland said. "It seems to be putting people down more than needs to be."
Robinson dismisses such criticism as desperate last-minute attacks. He says his criticism of illegal immigration is within the GOP mainstream. (more…)
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