CANDIDATE FACING "N-WORD" ACCUSATIONS

Another Congressional hopeful is floundering as reports of his past usage of "the N-word" continue to surface. Today several former neighbors and co-workers came forward to add their voices to those already accusing Republican House candidate Vernon Robinson of using the word "nigger".

"He wouldn't care who heard" said one. "He would walk right into a room full of Black folk and use that word right at the top of his voice." The speaker, a man who claims to have worked with Robinson for several months, asked that his name not be printed, as he is fearful of retaliation. A former neighbor, who lived across the street from Robinson in the early 90's said that the congressional candidate habitually used the term when addressing his own children.

Robinson is also facing increasing scepticism over his claim that he only learned of his Negro heritage within the last month. His campaign spokesman explained that the candidate was prompted to ask his parents about the matter a few weeks ago when the question was raised by a reporter. "He had no idea", said the press aide. "His parents had hid the fact from him, hoping to shield him from taunting and other cruelty that children so often inflict on those they perceive to be different."

Voters in the predominately African-American thirteenth district of North Carolina reacted with some trepidation to a statement by the candidate last week that voters should not worry, "I still haven't developed an overwhelming urge for chitlins or watermelon", Robinson was reported as telling the dwindling crowd at a campaign stop.