The page, which appears to have been deleted, included the message “REPUBLICAN & SMART, WHITE, TRADITIONAL,” according to The Charlotte Observer. Republican leadership in her state isn’t took happy about it.
North Carolina GOP Chairman Robin Hayes said, “Any suggestion that a candidate is more or less qualified for political office based on their skin color alone, is offensive to North Carolina Republicans and we condemn it.” said in a statement. “This type of suggestion has no place in our public discourse.”
At a televised debate in August, Barnette drew attention when asked about how she would attract jobs to the city that would train and employ “lower-skilled workers.” Rather than propose a solution, she said, “I don’t think we should encourage more lower-income people to (come to) Charlotte… We should attract higher-income people.”
Barnette is facing off against Kenny Smith and Gary Dunn in the Republican primary next week. Smith called Barnette a “fringe candidate” and said her campaign strategies are “absurd.”
[Image via WTVI screengrab]