"Selective Justice: The GOP’s Dirty Playbook in Kinston" "When the Law Is a Sword, Not a Shield"

Selective Scrutiny and the Politics of Power

When Sean Keenan, the GOP Chair of Lenoir County and a practicing attorney in Kinston, filed a protest against my candidacy, it wasn’t just targeted—it was early. He filed it before the election, and the Board of Elections had to stay the protest until after the results were in. That alone was disruptive. But now, after withdrawing his protest against me, he’s filed another—this time against Les Lipford, who won one of the two seats. That protest came only after the results were finalized.

The question that echoes through our community is simple: Why didn’t he investigate all candidates?

If Mr. Keenan was genuinely concerned about eligibility, he had every opportunity to review all filings before the election. Instead, he chose to act selectively—targeting specific individuals, both of whom are Black and members of the opposing party he represents. This isn’t just oversight. It feels like racial profiling. It feels like a misuse of power. And it feels like a calculated effort to secure a Republican seat by any means necessary.

This behavior undermines the democratic process. It sends a chilling message to candidates of color and those from opposing parties: that your legitimacy will be questioned, your background will be scrutinized, and your victories will be contested—not because of the law, but because of politics.

We must ask ourselves: Is this the kind of leadership we want? One that weaponizes procedure to silence opposition? One that sows division instead of unity?

I believe in Kinston. I believe in fair elections. And I believe our community sees through these tactics. We deserve leaders who uplift, not undermine. Who protect democracy, not manipulate it.

As an attorney, complaints will be filed with the North Carolina State Bar to investigate Mr. Keenan’s ethics. Civil legal representation has been sought to address his discriminatory practices, the Kinston Police Department’s defamation of character and wrongful incarceration, and the Board of Elections’ failure to comply with North Carolina General Statutes regarding the removal of convicted felons from the voter registry.

Because this isn’t just about me. It’s about every candidate who dares to run. It’s about every voter who believes in fairness. It’s about the soul of Kinston.

We deserve better. And we must demand it.

Written and Inspired by: Quarla Blackwell