Pat McCrory says light rail isn't for everyone.

The Republican gubernatorial candidate told Dome in a recent interview that the Lynx Blue Line in Charlotte has been a success, but he doesn't think every part of the state needs — or wants — its own rail-based transit.

"It's not suited for all parts of our state or even all parts of the city," he said. He would not say whether the Triangle, Greensboro or other North Carolina cities need it, saying that is a local decision.

In some areas, he said that light rail can help promote economic development, give citizens an alternative to congested roads and help the environment.

He defended the Charlotte system against conservative critics by noting that a recent referendum on the sales tax that partially funds it was approved by more than 70 percent of voters.

He also said he didn't decide to back rail by "putting my finger up in the air."

"I did it because of leadership," he said. 

Would Pat McCrory's advocacy for mass transit hurt him in the Republican gubernatorial primary?

Already, conservative libertarian blogger Max Borders has questioned whether the Charlotte mayor's support for a sales tax for transit and a light rail line means he is a "big government Republican."

If money fell like manna from heaven and central planning worked, it might be a ok. But Charlotte's light rail is a massive error IMHO, where that shiny new toy obscures the tremendous costs spread out over the state and even the rest of the country (onto people who will likely never see it or ride it).

Borders also questions McCrory's involvement in the Charlotte Bobcats arena, arguing that the mayor is going to have to "prove his credentials" as a fiscal conservative.

Of course, this is all assuming that McCrory is actually going to run.