"I have traveled across this state folks and the only thing we have talked about as we've traveled is the same thing. Our economy and the five pillars that it stands on - public safety, public education, healthcare, infrastructure, housing, and how we can make those things healthy. We've talked about how we can pull education out there and put a special focus on it to remove agendas from the classroom and get back to classical education and get our children career ready and give parents the right to children's education, said Robinson.
About three dozen people gathered inside, listening to Robinson speak for about eight minutes before lining up to take pictures with him.
"Small businesses are struggling and we just need the help," said Tina Watson, the owner of the Blue Ridge Diner.
Robinson's remarks were a combination of his positions and criticisms of the media regarding the CNN reporting, which he referred to as "trashy lies."
"We're considering legal action against CNN about the story that they put out. We have not formulated our exact plan yet," said Robinson.
Due to spacing limitations, only camera phones were allowed inside. As he left the event, Robinson answered three questions from reporters.
"While this country is literally facing a crisis situation on the world stage, while our border is wide open, while our businesses are struggling, while folks are dying from fentanyl, while crime is spiraling out of control, you folks want to focus on tabloid trash and quite frankly, I am sick of it. And every time I get in front of you, I'm going to cut you off and tell you need to refocus yourself on the issues that matter to people," said Robinson.
Supporters downplayed the impact of the CNN report, expressing they continue to back him.
"I want to know what he's going to do for me as a business owner and what he can do for the American people. What he has done in the past, I do not take that into consideration," said Watson, who told ABC 11 she has not read the report.
"I think the winning messages are for him to keep on being bold and tell him the truth," added Karen Lerch, a supporter who formerly served as Chair of the Watauga County GOP. Lerch downplayed the impact the report would have on voters.
"I wish we could just talk about policy and what these two men want to do with this, the state, what they want to see in this country," said Laurie Taylor, referring to Robinson and Attorney General Josh Stein, the Democratic candidate in the race.
In the aftermath of the report, several Robinson campaign staffers resigned. Robinson said they are receiving resumes and expressed confidence in putting together a team.
"I wanted to make sure that everything went the right way, that it was well known that Mark was going to be here so people driving by could come in. And if they had any questions, they could talk to him or listen to him," said Taylor about her volunteer efforts.
Robinson did not appear at former President Donald Trump's campaign stop in Wilmington over the weekend, and the former President did not mention him in his remarks. Democrats have worked to highlight the connection between the two candidates, who have publicly praised each other in the past.
Less than a week after the RGA Right Direction PAC announced a seven-figure investment in the state's gubernatorial race with a new campaign ad, a spokesperson for the Republican Governors Association on Monday told ABC 11:
"We don't comment on internal strategy or investment decisions, but we can confirm what's public - our current media buy in North Carolina expires tomorrow, and no further placements have been made. RGA remains committed to electing Republican Governors all across the country."
Robinson in Wilkesboro
Before his stop in Boone, Lt. Governor Mark Robinson stopped in Wilkesboro during this caravan through western North Carolina.
Watch | Anthony Wilson's Report
Mark Robinson back on campaign trail day after senior staff member resign
Robinson stopped at a small locally owned bakery in Wilkesboro where he was greeted by a small but enthusiastic group of voters.
Protesters took advantage of the opportunity and were on hand across the street from the bakery with signs to express their message.
Robinson's message to the voters who were present was, "We're here for all those people who are struggling to keep their small businesses open, who are struggling to get their children a decent education."
One woman expressed her continued support for Robinson despite all the controversial reports and comments he has said over the years.
"I think Lt. Gov. Robinson is someone that I want as our governor and hope that he is. I think he's a terrific man," Carolyn Clarke tells ABC11.
One of the protesters expressed the exact opposite.
"I don't understand how a lot of people can support him, especially women," said Amy Cooper. "He's such a misogynist. He's not for women's rights; he's not for women's health care."
Over the weekend, Robinson's general consultant and senior advisor, campaign manager, finance director and deputy campaign manager all abruptly resigned.
"The timing doesn't matter. It's not the timing, it's how you react, and we are ready to react," said Mark Robinson also said during his speech.
He said his campaign is reviewing several resumes from potential replacements for the departed staff members.
"We hope, we stand strong," Jim Young said to ABC11. "We've got pretty good support here, for a small town in western North Carolina."
On Saturday, Robinson didn't appear at a rally held for former President Donald Trump. However, he did attend a meet-and-greet at the Fayetteville Motor Speedway.
The Fayetteville appearance was Robinson's first since a story was published by a cable news outlet that quoted some controversial comments Robinson allegedly made on a porn site years ago. Robinson has denied making those posts and on Thursday, Sept. 19 when the story broke, he said would remain in the race.
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