Residents of the 13th Congressional District, which runs from Guilford to Wake Counties, have been bombarded with direct mail, automated phone calls, and radio ads from perennial Congressional candidate Vernon Robinson. The Raleigh News and Observer called this potentially "one of the worst mudslinging campaigns in recent North Carolina history." [6/30/2006]

Now, the mud is slinging and it's all Vernon Robinson.

Robinson, who does not live in the 13th Congressional District, has raised over 84% of his money from people outside of North Carolina and dumped it into an untrue smear campaign. [opensecrets.org]

"Vernon Robinson might be the most offensive politician in America. He's lost race after race with his campaigns of smear and lies," said North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Jerry Meek. "Vernon's venom has been directed mostly at fellow Republicans, who are suspiciously silent this year."

"Today, I offer a challenge to Republicans: will you stand by Robinson's mudslinging campaign?" Meek continued. "To Ferrell Blount and Virginia Foxx: are you willing to forget the personal attacks he made against you? Will you forgive and forget? To Representatives Taylor, Hayes, Myrick, McHenry, Coble, and Jones: do you want Vernon Robinson to be your colleague in Congress?"

"If Republicans stand by idly as the extreme nuttiness of Vernon Robinson tries to hijack their Party, they are supporting him and his warped agenda for America."

Vernon Robinson on...

Congresswoman Virginia Foxx:

In 2004, Robinson ran one of his many losing campaigns, this time in the 5th Congressional District. He was defeated by now-Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, whom he criticized with this ad:

"HOST: This episode of Congressional Jeopardy is paid for by Vernon Robinson for Congress. Today's topic -- homosexual rights! This feminist voted to create special rights for homosexuals and took money from the radical gay PACs.

[BUZZER] HOST: Oh no, I'm sorry. We were looking for Senator Virginia Foxx. Virginia Foxx did that..." [Vernon Robinson for Congress ad, 2004]

This year, Virginia Foxx has rewarded Robinson with a $1,000 campaign contribution.

The North Carolina Republican Party and Chair Ferrell Blount:

"Last year, in a failed attempt to unseat state GOP chief Ferrell Blount, Robinson criticized what he called the party's weak leadership." [Associated Press, 6/26/2006]

This year? They're silent. "'It isn't our business to dissect somebody's campaign,' said Bill Peaslee, the state GOP's chief of staff." [Associated Press, 6/26/2006]