On Capitol Hill: Democratic leaders in the House of Representatives continued scouring for votes Friday on a $940 billion health care overhaul - and they appeared tantalizingly close to their goal. But with a final showdown set for Sunday, they were still busy putting out fires, particularly over abortion restrictions and Medicare payments.
In North Carolina: Democratic U.S. Rep Bob Etheridge of Lillington announced Friday evening that he would support the health care legislation. "After reading the bill carefully, I have concluded that it will save lives and save money," he said in a statement on his Web site. Supporters of the legislation had rallied outside his downtown Raleigh office earlier in the day. Busloads of opponents planned to be in Washington today.
Do North Carolinians want reform?: It depends how you ask the question. Three polls of North Carolina residents found varying opinions on health care reform in general and on the current proposal.
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