RALEIGH -- It has been an interesting first year for North Carolina under Republican Governor Pat McCrory. He is the first GOP Governor of the Tar Heel state since the early-1990's and he was met with plenty of opposition. Democrats in the state led Moral Monday protests, after the passing of legislation that altered the voting process. In an end-of-the-year address to North Carolinians the governor acknowledges it hasn't all been smooth sailing.

McCrory says, "at times we had to endure short-term pain, for long-term gain."

McCrory pointed to positives of an improving job market when reflecting on his inaugural year leading the state. He says new tax codes will open North Carolina up to new businesses bringing in more jobs.