Gov. Roy Cooper of North Carolina has announced his decision not to pursue the vice-presidential nomination on the Democratic Party ticket, citing concerns over Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s potential actions during his potential absences as the main reason.

Cooper's decision not to remain in contention to serve as Kamala Harris' running mate was said to be influenced by Robinson's previous conduct and the potential political distractions the governor believes it could create, as the Washington Examiner reports.

Earlier this week, on Politico’s Playbook Deep Dive podcast, Cooper revealed his apprehensions regarding Robinson, who is currently running for governor in November.

According to North Carolina’s constitution, the lieutenant governor becomes the acting governor whenever the governor is out of the state. This stipulation has led Cooper to reconsider his political ambitions on a national level.

Robinson's Previous Actions Spark Concerns

In previous instances, Robinson has acted as governor during Cooper’s absences.

Notably, he held a press conference supporting Israel, which Cooper construed as an attempt to counter previous, allegedly antisemitic comments and Holocaust denial attributed to Robinson. Cooper emphasized that these actions served as significant distractions.

Cooper explained, "Mark Robinson, the Republican nominee, is the most extreme statewide candidate in the country right now. I was on a recruiting trip to Japan; he did claim he was acting governor. He did a big proclamation and press conference while I was gone. It was something about support for the state of Israel."

Potential Political Distractions

Cooper expressed his belief that allowing Robinson to benefit from the acting governor provision would only fuel his gubernatorial campaign, thereby creating further distractions.

He elaborated, “Robinson would take advantage of the acting governor provision more to boost his own campaign, and it would serve as a distraction from the presidential race.”

Despite stepping back from vice-presidential considerations, Cooper remains hopeful for North Carolina’s potential to turn blue in the upcoming presidential race.

The efforts by the Democratic Party are robust, despite recent challenges. Former President Donald Trump’s campaign has made significant advertisement buys in North Carolina, highlighting the state's importance in the national political landscape.

Democratic Hopes for North Carolina

While Cooper's decision has been influenced by many factors, the North Carolina gubernatorial race and the presidential race in the state remain intensely competitive. The Cook Political Report rates the gubernatorial contest as a "toss-up," while the state's presidential race is labeled as "lean Republican."

The competitive nature of these races emphasizes the stakes at play. Democrats remain optimistic about their chances, aiming to flip North Carolina in favor of the Democratic presidential candidate.

Importance of State Laws on Governance

Cooper further elaborated on the importance of state laws that govern such situations. “In North Carolina, we have in our constitution -- back from the wagon wheel days -- a provision that says when the governor leaves the state, the lieutenant governor becomes the acting governor,” Cooper explained.

This constitutional provision has led to concerns about governance and the potential misuse of such power for political gains. Cooper's decision underscores the nuance and complexity involved in navigating state and national political landscapes.

Conclusion

Gov. Roy Cooper of North Carolina decided against running for the vice-presidential nomination with Kamala Harris, citing concerns regarding Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s actions in his absence, which could lead to political distractions.

Robinson, who has previously acted as governor during Cooper's absences, has sparked controversy with past comments and efforts to counter the impact of those statements. Cooper's decision reveals the complexities of state politics and its interactions with national ambitions, particularly in a battleground state like North Carolina.

Despite his decision, Democrats remain hopeful about their chances in both the gubernatorial and presidential races in North Carolina, adhering to the belief that their efforts may turn the state blue in the upcoming elections.