Mark Robinson’s Republican opponents in the race for governor have raised fundamental questions about his honesty, trustworthiness and fitness for public office.

First, State Treasurer Dale Folwell called the lieutenant governor’s much-hyped avowal of solidarity with Israel a “shameful publicity stunt,” adding:

“As a person who has shamefully denied the Holocaust and whose history is checkered with hateful anti-semitic comments you have no right to be commenting on this topic.”

Now Andy Wells (photo), another Republican candidate for governor, has asked Robinson three pointed and penetrating questions about his “family business,” Balanced Nutrition, Inc.

Wells wrote in a letter to Robinson:

“Brant Clifton, who heads the conservative news website Daily Haymaker, has published several reports about your family business – one said it has been paid over $4 million dollars by the state. Is that true?”

Clifton said the company “told the IRS that no ‘officer, director, trustee or key employee had a family relationship or a business relationship with any other officer, director, trustee or key employee.’ But, in fact: (1) two of three members listed on its board are your sister-in-law and son-in-law; and (2) your wife, mother-in-law, and son have been paid salaries by Balanced Nutrition. Is Mr. Clifton’s report correct?”

And, “The state pays your business to handle state food care programs in Guilford County. As Lt. Governor, you’re President of the State Senate which passes the budget for the state agency that has paid your family business millions of dollars. Is that a conflict of interest?”

Folwell says Robinson is a hypocrite. Wells says he may be profiting from public office and giving false information to the IRS.

Both are asking: Can Robinson be trusted?

Robinson owes North Carolina answers – not a dodge and not his usual bombast, but clear and specific answers.