It seems North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson is already impacting economic development in the state just after securing the GOP nomination, as Connecticut lawmakers target companies looking at North Carolina to conduct business.
Connecticut Democratic Senate leaders wrote an open letter to the state’s Department of Economic and Community Development, saying the state should “explore opportunities to attract businesses from the state of North Carolina to relocate to Connecticut.” Elected officials specifically mentioned Robinson’s Republican gubernatorial nomination and his infamous inflammatory rhetoric, which targets LGBTQ+ residents and women.
“We are constantly looking for chances to diversify and strengthen our state’s economy, and we believe there is a unique opportunity to reach out to businesses in North Carolina,” Connecticut Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney wrote.
Robinson was first elected to office in 2020 and since being sworn in, he’s continued to spew misinformation regarding North Carolina’s LGBTQ+ population, who make up over five percent of all of the state’s residents. He’s claimed “that “God formed me” to fight against the push for LGBTQ rights and visibility, as well as publicly questioned women’s ability to lead, if the Holocaust was “that bad,” and openly offered that Jewish bankers secretly control the economy.
Qnotes previously reported on how Robinson’s rhetoric mirrored the same used in 2016 during the HB2 era and what that could mean for North Carolina. HB2 resulted in one of the largest economic fallouts in state history. The state lost $4.8 billion in federal grants and contracts and over $40 million in business investments, which resulted in the loss of over 1,250 jobs.
HB2 was ultimately repealed because of the backlash it received, and now, it’s become clear Robinson brings an economic disadvantage to the gubernatorial office. In fact, The North Carolina Chamber of Commerce (who in the past has endorsed Republican candidates) wrote in a newsletter that the results of the primary election were a “startling warning of the looming threats to North Carolina’s business climate.”
“Many of the races we were watching turned for candidates that do not share our vision for North Carolina,” the chamber wrote, though they did not mention Robinson by name.
The open letter from Connecticut went on to say if Robinson wins the North Carolina governor’s race, it will mean a mass exodus of businesses, and they hope to capitalize on that.
“These remarks not only undermine the values of inclusivity and tolerance of our nation, but should also raise significant concerns about the business environment and social climate in North Carolina under potential leadership that condones or ignores such divisive rhetoric,” the Connecticut lawmakers’ letter said. “In contrast, Connecticut prides itself on its commitment to diversity, equality, and fostering an environment where businesses can thrive while upholding ethical standards and respect for all.”
Robinson’s campaign responded to the concerns raised by the letter from Connecticut Democrats by doubling down on how Robinson believes Democrats are the real evil.
“Who cares what these northeastern liberals have to say?” Mike Lonergan, a spokesman for Robinson’s campaign, said, according to WRAL. “Since they took control of Connecticut, Democrats raised taxes and spending, creating a parade of jobs and businesses packing up and leaving their state. They should stop with silly PR stunts like this and take a page from North Carolina conservatives’ book — cut taxes on families and businesses, reduce burdensome regulations and stop wasteful government spending.”