Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee is withdrawing his support for embattled North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson , reversing a previous endorsement for his gubernatorial bid, following reporting on the salacious and racist remarks Robinson is accused of making on pornographic websites prior to his political career.
“Gov. Lee is no longer supporting Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s gubernatorial bid,” Lee spokesperson Elizabeth Johnson told The Tennessean, a USA TODAY Network partner, in an email on Monday.
Lee had been scheduled to travel to North Carolina this week for a previously scheduled fundraiser for Robinson, but Lee’s office confirmed Friday that the $500 per ticket event was canceled .
Lee’s decision is a reversal from an endorsement he made as chair of the Republican Governor’s Association in March, shortly after Robinson won the gubernatorial primary.
“North Carolina families want someone whose conservative policies will deliver results by expanding opportunity, security and freedom. From investing in safe neighborhoods to driving economic prosperity, Mark Robinson will put the people of North Carolina first,” Lee said in a statement at the time.