North Carolina Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein declined to debate Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson as the Republican faces scrutiny over salacious comments he allegedly posted online. Stein and Robinson are engaged in a battle to become North Carolina’s next governor this fall.

The North Carolina Republican Party, meanwhile, responded later Thursday night by standing behind Robinson and his denial. “Mark Robinson has categorically denied the allegations made by CNN but that won’t stop the Left from trying to demonize him via personal attacks,” the statement read in part.

Douglas Heye, former communications director for the Republican National Committee, explains what to expect next in North Carolina's gubernatorial race after a CNN report revealed alleged past offensive comments made by GOP candidate Mark Robinson.