N.C. Gov. Pat McCrory Tries to Escape His Own Anti-Transgender Law

North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory is bristling under the mounting criticism, lost business, and election pressure coming from the anti-transgender bill he passed into law this year.

The beleaguered politician released a new campaign ad this week that seemingly took aim at the backlash over HB2, which prevents transgender people from using restrooms matching their gender identity.

"Other folks were actually pushing to make our schools allow boys to use girls' locker rooms and showers," he said. "Are we really talking about this?"

The governor has tried to distance himself from the law--which has solicited boycotts from entertainers and cost Charlotte the NBA All-Star game in 2017--in other areas. He also claimed this week that the law was supported by the North Carolina's business leaders. The North Carolina Chamber of Commerce denied any involvement or support for the law.

McCrory faces some stiff competition against his opponent in the governor's race, Attorney General Roy Cooper, who refused to defend the law in court when the federal government challenged it.