McCrory blasts Cooper at NC GOP convention

GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory says Democratic gubernatorial rival Roy Cooper is a "very liberal full-time politician" who is shirking his responsibilities as attorney general by failing to help defend the state against President Barack Obama's policies.

McCrory blasted Cooper while addressing about 1,000 delegates at the state Republican Party Convention on Saturday in Greensboro. He also accepted his party's nomination for governor.

The governor criticized Cooper for Cooper's decision not to defend a new law that in part requires transgender people to use restrooms and locker rooms at schools, universities and public agencies that align with their biological sex. The U.S. Department of Justice last week wrote McCrory telling him the law violates federal civil rights laws. Cooper has said the law is discriminatory, particularly for limiting LGBT protections.

McCrory also touted his record as governor for helping create jobs and promoting government efficiency.

Top North Carolina elected leaders are urging fellow Republicans to unify following a contentious presidential primary and the recent removal of the state party's chairman.

U.S. Sens. Richard Burr and Thom Tillis addressed the state party's convention Saturday in Greensboro, asking more than 900 delegates and hundreds of additional guests to get behind presumptive nominee Donald Trump to prevent Democrat Hillary Clinton from becoming president.

Burr told party activists getting behind Trump is essential. Burr faces his own re-election campaign this fall and would benefit from top-of-the-ballot support for Trump.

Tillis originally endorsed Marco Rubio.

State party activists are meeting a week after a party body voted to throw out Chairman Hasan Harnett.

Cox Media Group