McCrory responds to NYT: 'NC is on powerful comeback'

"Already companies have announced plans to create more than 9,300 jobs in the state and invest more than $1.1 billion in facilities," the letter said. "The jet engine manufacturer GE Aviation is bringing its advanced materials production to a new facility near Asheville."

McCrory also pointed to his experience as the mayor of Charlotte, saying that during his time leading the city he didn't bother with keeping tabs on what side of the political aisle ideas came from as long as they solved a problem in a cost effective way for taxpayers. 

McCrory said it was that sort of collaboration that transformed Charlotte from a "regional hub" into a "leading national metropolitan center."

"My reforms have stepped on the toes of the political right and the left who are vested in the old ways of doing business," McCrory wrote. "But in my 14 years as mayor of Charlotte, I learned it didn't matter whether a good idea came from a Republican or a Democrat."

"North Carolina was once considered a beacon of farsightedness in the South, an exception in a region of poor education, intolerance and tightfistedness. In a few short months, Republicans have begun to dismantle a reputation that took years to build," the editorial said.

In his response Saturday, McCrory did not address unemployment benefit changes or the ongoing protests that have gone on in Raleigh for nearly three months and led to more than 700 arrests.