Nearly a month ago, Michael Whatley was exposed for knowingly and repeatedly appointing a convicted child sex predator to positions of leadership. When pressed for answers, Whatley has continued to dodge reporter questions about putting his political allies ahead of North Carolina kids’ safety. 

WRAL: “When PolitiFact asked the state GOP and Whatley’s campaign about West’s comments, the campaign didn’t provide a comment. Mercer, the state GOP spokesman, meanwhile, didn’t dispute West’s account.”

Washington Examiner: “So far, Whatley has declined to answer. His campaign did not respond to Secrets’s questions about how long he had known about West’s past or whether he regrets being involved with a convicted sex offender.”

Charlotte Observer: “A spokesman for Whatley’s campaign didn’t answer questions from an Observer reporter about West”

NC Newsline: “Whatley’s campaign spokesman and the North Carolina Republican Party declined to comment for this story.”

Cardinal & Pine: “Messages sent by Cardinal & Pine on Thursday to Whatley’s spokesperson were not returned.”

Asheville Watchdog: “I sought comment from Whatley and his campaign spokesman about his support of West by email and text but received no response.”

Daily Beast: “The Daily Beast emailed Whatley and the White House seeking comment but did not receive a reply.”

“DC insider Michael Whatley has repeatedly refused to answer reporter questions about why he knowingly elevated a convicted child sex predator to positions of leadership,” said Mallory Payne, senior communications advisor for the North Carolina Democratic Party. “North Carolina families deserve a leader who will put kids’ safety ahead of protecting their political allies. Michael Whatley is only out for himself.”

###