In his shocking TV ad, congressional candidate Vernon Robinson calls himself the "black Jesse Helms."
But the folks at the Jesse Helms Center are not pleased. "I personally find that ad disgusting and I am sure Senator Helms would agree with me," said John Dodd, the center's president.
Don't tell Robinson, though. The third-time candidate tries so hard to link himself with the former U.S. senator that Helms' name is mentioned no less than four times in a minute-long spot. He even touts the endorsement of Helms' son.
As a nonprofit foundation, the center doesn't endorse candidates but the implication is Helms gives Robinson his blessing, Dodd said.
"I find it sad," he added, "that Mr. Robinson is trying to imply an endorsement by Senator Helms, who has been deceased for 3 1/2 years."
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Helms would have supported Vernon Robinson
January 9, 2012 - 12:39pm — bfconradHelms Center President John Dodd engages in a bit of historical revisionism when he claims that Senator Jesse Helms would have been “disgusted” by Vernon Robinson's recent campaign ad depicting, among other things, a leftist protester defecating on the American flag.
Obviously, Rob Christensen didn't write that particular “Under the Dome” blog entry, because, had he done so, he would have pointed out (from his book) that Sen. Helms required every reporter who interviewed him to view the homoerotic pictures by Robert Mapplethorpe, which are likely more disturbing than anything Robinson has put in a campaign ad.
A search of the Jesse Helms Center website reveals that Dodd's real concern is the desire to continue ignoring Sen. Helms' past support for flag desecration legislation, his exposure of lewd pictures funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, and his opposition to racial quotas. None of that material is featured on the site. It is as if Dodd and the Center wish to emphasize only Sen. Helms' good work in Foreign Relations so as not to upset corporate donors whose commitment to special rights for homosexuals would be at odds with the real Sen. Helms, if he were portrayed in totality.
Dodd should be thankful that Vernon Robinson, like millions of Americans, supported Sen. Helms on hot button issues like racial quotas, flag desecration, and Robert Mapplethorpe’s NEA funding. While Vernon Robinson showed courage in the Helms tradition when he joined the lawsuit that ended racial and gender quotas on the UNC Board of Governors and admissions, Dodd has shown none.
There is a reason why Senator Helms said of Robinson at the 2003 National Right to Work Dinner, “I want to recognize Vernon Robinson. We're lucky to have his conservative voice. He's done a great job on the Winston-Salem City Council, and I wish him well in his [03-04] campaign for Congress.”
The totality of Sen. Jesse Helms is what enthralled conservatives across the country. We loved him for it. The same outspoken defiance of the Left and support of national security, morality, and fiscal responsibility will serve Robinson well in the upcoming GOP primary for Congress, Mr. Dodd's criticism notwithstanding.
Typical lib
January 6, 2012 - 4:09pm — JustinSmithThe ad was disgusting because it showed a naked man defecating on the American flag. Follow the link and look at it! That is what Helms Center president was refering to, not Robinson's skin color. Leave it to the N&O to imply something else. Helms was no racist. That is what you leftists call anyone that disagrees with you. You are doing the same thing to Ron Paul now!
Jesse Helms is rolling in his grave
December 19, 2011 - 4:48pm — MalleusMaleficarumJesse Helms, a hardened racist, is rolling over in his grave at the very thought of Vernon Robinson becoming his clone.