(AP) - Pat McCrory likes to talk about what he learned from the tough jobs he used to have like refereeing basketball games, paving tennis courts in the eastern North Carolina heat and getting chased by dogs while working for Duke Power.

McCrory also learned something from the job he didn't get when the Charlotte mayor lost to Democrat Beverly Perdue in the 2008 race for governor. Once he decided upon a repeat bid this year, McCrory was resolved to work harder.

He kept out substantial primary opponents and raised millions of dollars early. Political experts and allies also said he learned to become a more comfortable campaigner.

McCrory hopes the extra work will pay off election night with a Republican in the Executive Mansion for the first time in 20 years.