Pope looks to challenge Gore in upcoming district attorney’s race

A Columbus County Democrat has thrown his name in the hat to challenge Rex Gore in the upcoming district attorney’s race.

Harold “Butch” Pope is a criminal defense attorney in Whiteville. He has announced his intentions to run for district attorney of Columbus, Brunswick, and Bladen County.

Pope said that Rex Gore’s failure to immediately recuse himself in the investigation of State Senator RC Soles prompted him to run for office.

Soles and Gore have a long history as political allies.

The SBI is looking into a shooting at the senator’s house, where Soles shot one of his clients for allegedly trying to break in.

The state is also investigating claims of sexual misconduct by the senator.