RALEIGH – The chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party says inflammatory rhetoric and symbolism by some protesters of GOP policies aren’t helping create a respectful political dialogue.

Claude Pope made the comments Tuesday, a day after marchers outside the Executive Mansion carried empty caskets to memorialize four girls killed in an Alabama church bombing 50 years ago this week. The Rev. William Barber of the state NAACP on Monday called on Gov. Pat McCrory to remember the blood that was shed to advance voting rights in the country.

Allies of Barber and Democrats have condemned an election overhaul bill approved by lawmakers and signed my McCrory as making it harder for many groups to vote.

Pope says it’s a stretch to connect the governor with a tragedy from 50 years ago.