Gee, Pat, you could have called first.

Gov. Pat McCrory made an unusual visit to the legislature Thursday to "touch base" with House and Senate lawmakers as the budget stalemate drags on.

McCrory tried to duck public notice by cutting through a meeting room, but a House Rules meeting was underway in the room at the time, leading to an awkward moment for the governor and his retinue.

Caught off guard, Prevaricating Pat reverted to his natural tendency: lying.

Governors in general are not often seen at the legislature, but he denied that his visit was unusual. "I come here often just to have interaction. I cut through here on the way to the house, back and forth to the house often," he insisted.

Right, Pat. Like you visit the Moral Monday protests "all the time".

Trying his best to minimize the awkwardness, Pat moved on.

After working the hallway briefly on the first floor, McCrory made his way upstairs for an appearance in the Senate gallery. However, Senate leaders delayed the debate on their Medicaid reform bill until after lunch.

Hey, DAG, when you berate people in the media, don't be surprised if they're not around when you show up.