RALEIGH (AP) — North Carolina state budget director Art Pope says he’s “saddened” and “shocked” the NAACP and allied groups have decided to picket his family’s stores over his political positions.
The groups announced Monday further picketing this week at Roses or Maxway stores owned by Variety Wholesalers, Pope’s family business.
Pope responded Monday in a letter to NAACP state president the Rev. William Barber. The NAACP and other groups want Pope to renounce legislation approved by the Republican-led General Assembly and Gov. Pat McCrory on Medicaid, unemployment benefits and voting rules.
Pope accused group leaders of picketing his stores because he donates to Republican candidates. He says people in a democratic society should be allowed to support candidates and advocate for policies without retaliation.