< Previous page

But five of the seven GOP congressmen say they plan to vote against CAFTA: Jones, McHenry, Virginia Foxx of Banner Elk, Charles Taylor of Brevard and Robin Hayes of Concord. (All of the state's six Democratic congressmen oppose the measure.)

Only Myrick -- who two years ago criticized Bush for being "out of touch" on trade issues -- is on board. She also was on Air Force One when Bush visited Gaston County.

Myrick said she changed her mind after executives with six textile companies in the district decided to support CAFTA. Myrick said she was also influenced by agricultural officials who think it will help Tar Heel farm exports such as hogs, and because the Bush administration recently stepped up efforts to curb illegal imports.

"It's a very district-specific bill," Myrick said. "I hope others will see the value of it and will come around."

Coble leans toward 'no'

The only North Carolina member of Congress who is still officially on the fence -- although he is leaning strongly against it -- is Republican Howard Coble of Greensboro, who is co-chairman of the House textile caucus.

The White House initially suggested that Bush go to Greensboro, but Coble's office said that although the congressman would be delighted with a presidential visit, it wouldn't change his vote and that Coble had a prior commitment in Washington.

Coble, a folksy 74-year-old attorney and 10-term congressman, has been the subject of intense lobbying by House Speaker Dennis Hastert, by GOP national Chairman Ken Mehlman and by the president himself during a meeting with a small group of lawmakers in the White House. But Coble said he told the president that he doubted he could support the measure, even though some of the textile executives in his district support CAFTA.

"I said my mama was a former textile worker," Coble said he told Bush. "She was a machine operator for Blue Bell. When I go into these textile plants and women who are textile workers implore me to vote against CAFTA, that is my mama talking to me. I feel very strongly, emotionally."

< Previous page