RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory has received the endorsement of the state’s largest law enforcement lobbying group.

McCrory made a rare public campaign appearance Thursday in Raleigh to accept the backing of the 10,000-member North Carolina Police Benevolent Association.

Association leaders made the decision after interviewing McCrory and rival Democratic Attorney General Roy Cooper.

The governor usually holds public events organized by his state government office.

The endorsement event comes as polls have shown the gubernatorial race tight or Cooper slightly ahead. McCrory didn’t take question at the news conference.

The Republican incumbent also has received endorsements from the North Carolina Fraternal Order of Police and the North Carolina Troopers Association. Cooper has been endorsed by the National Association of Police Organizations and a state group representing firefighters and paramedics.