Oct 16, 2007 -  In an about-face, U.S. Rep. Mike McIntyre said Monday that he will vote later this week to override the president's veto of a $35 billion expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program.
The Democrat from Lumberton had voted against the bill twice this year because he opposed its funding source: a 61-cent increase in the federal tax on cigarettes. His 7th Congressional District, which includes Wilmington, includes one of the country's most productive tobacco-growing regions.
In a telephone interview Monday, McIntyre said he had changed his stance upon reflection that his support for children's health outweighed his opposition to increased taxes on tobacco.
He said he will vote Thursday to override President Bush's veto and that he had informed House Democratic leaders of his intentions. Those leaders launched a campaign last week seeking the 15 to 20 additional votes needed to override.  By Mark Schreiner