Pat McCrory called George W. Bush a "great president" in 2004.

During a two-minute speech at the Republican National Convention in New York City on Aug. 30, the Charlotte mayor praised Bush's leadership on behalf of the Republican Mayors and Local Officials 527 group.

"As mayors, we are on the front lines of government," he said. "So I'm pleased to say that our president has been a very good friend to mayors."

He spoke about brownfield legislation that rehabilitates industrial waste sites, tax cuts and increased homeownership and "strong and decisive leadership" from Bush on terrorism:

"But most of all, President Bush has helped cities by reassuring people through strong and decisive leadership on the war on terrorism. He understands that to protect our cities we must take the war to those trying to destroy us. We have witnessed leadership in the toughest of times from a great Republican mayor right here in New York City and from a great president during the past four years. Cities large and small will benefit by having President Bush leading us for another four more years."

A new ad from Democratic gubernatorial candidate Beverly Perdue attacks McCrory for his ties to Bush, noting that he called him "a great president."