By accident or design, there were no chances to photograph President Bush and Pat McCrory.

The president touched down at Raleigh-Durham International Airport at 4:47 p.m., greeting Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker and Wake County Commissioner Joe Bryan, Ben Niolet reports.

After greeting a high-school student being recognized for his volunteer work, Bush headed to a fundraiser at Raleigh developer John Kane's home for the Republican gubernatorial candidate around 5:30 p.m.

Near the home, people lined the road, some holding signs supporting the president.

Bush left the fundraiser shortly after 6 p.m. As the president's limo departed, McCrory came outside Kane's home and waved to the motorcade, and Air Force One departed RDU at 6:56 p.m. 

The N.C. Democratic Party has attacked McCrory for his ties to Bush in a video, but McCrory has said that's not relevant to his gubernatorial campaign.

County officials said thanks today.

Wake County Commissioner Joe Bryan was in the basement cafeteria of the General Assembly building shortly after noon handing out cream-colored thank-you notes from the N.C. Association of County Commissioners.

"Thank you so much for removing the Medicaid burden off the backs of counties and for providing us with additional revenue options so we can manage our growth," the note read. "We truly appreciate how much time and effort you put into this issue for counties."

That was a reference to two items in the budget which reduced Medicaid payments from counties and gave them the option to levy a transfer tax or sales tax if voters approve.

Bryan, who was smiling widely, said he was giving the notes to any legislator, regardless of whether they voted for the budget or not.

"This is a historic session for North Carolina's counties," he said.