RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - Gubernatorial candidate Pat McCrory joined top Republicans in supporting offshore oil and natural gas drilling Monday, saying it could relieve what’s becoming a national energy crisis.

McCrory said it’s hypocritical for politicians to take a not-in-my-backyard approach to oil exploration and drilling, especially because North Carolina’s energy demands are bound to grow with its population.

“If not here, then where?” McCrory said. “If we’re not willing to drill off our own coast, then where will you drill? Off
Venezuela? Off Nigeria? Off Saudi Arabia? Russia? Or other states, and then assume, ‘Well, we’re special?”‘

Related: Dole Changes Mind, Now Supports Offshore Drilling (more…)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Gubernatorial candidate Pat McCrory is launching a statewide “jobs tour” this week to begin a dialogue with North Carolinians about jobs and the economy. 

McCrory plans to make economic development a top priority if elected governor. His stops Tuesday, July 1, include a restaurant in Shelby, a tour of a plate glass plant in Shelby and a tour of the Cliffside Steam Station in Mooresboro. He will also visit RDM Industries in Nebo.

His schedule for other stops during the week has not been released.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Republican gubernatorial candidate Pat McCrory says a public records request by the North Carolina Democratic Party is a “fishing expedition.”

The Charlotte mayor said Friday the records request filed this week with the City of Charlotte will cost more than $100,000 and take up to 1,000 hours to complete.

The request filed Thursday by party officials seeks all correspondence between McCrory, the city manager and his staff and three companies - Bank of America, Duke Energy and US Airways.

Party spokeswoman Kerra Bolton says the requests were specific and says the public has the right to know if the mayor has used taxpayer dollars wisely. Bolton would not say why party officials were seeking the information.

The gubernatorial campaign of Democratic Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue said it’s aware of the request.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - President Bush will stop in North Carolina today to campaign for GOP governor’s candidate Pat McCrory. Bush is expected to attend a reception for McCrory at a private residence in Raleigh. 

The President will return to Washington after his stop in Raleigh. McCrory spokesman Jack Hawke has said the event will be hosted by developer John Kane and focus on issues facing North Carolina, including the state’s economy.

McCrory, mayor of Charlotte, faces Democratic Lt. Gov. Bev Perdue in November’s election.