RALEIGH – North Carolina's leading teacher lobbying group formally endorsed Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton to be the next governor.

The announcement came at the group's Raleigh headquarters Wednesday.

Dalton gave his thoughts about the state's proposed budget and said the state needs to invest in education and not abandon it.

"It's a tough time. It's been a tough time for the nation,” said Dalton. “We have to fix the problem, but I think you have to approach it in a responsible manner and in a balanced manner."

Leaders of the group said Dalton has made the defense of public education the centerpiece of his campaign.

An NCAE spokesperson said the group has only endorsed a Democrat for governor, and said Republican candidate Pat McCrory didn't sit down for an endorsement interview.