Born in Wausau, Wisconsin, Robinson graduated from Newman Catholic High School.
He served on the City Council and County Board until his election to the Wisconsin State Assembly.
In 1988 he resigned his seat in the Assembly after he was elected to a four-year term as Mayor of Wausau.
[1][2] After being cited for failing to report a single-car accident, Robinson chose not to seek re-election in 1992.
In 2006, Robinson returned to elected office, winning a seat on the Marathon County Board of Supervisors.