Charlotte Observer and Wire Service Sources

N.C. split on CAFTA Rep. Hayes, what caused last-minute change of heart?

July 29, 2005

Last week U.S. Rep. Robin Hayes told last-minute change of heart on a trade the Observer he was "flat-out, vote. He cast a similar tie-breaker in completely, horizontally opposed to 2001 to give President Bush so-called CAFTA." Earlier this month he said, Fast Track trading authority. "There is no way I could vote for CAFTA." Before the vote, he told a As for CAFTA, as trade pacts go it's a radio reporter "a `no' vote on CAFTA is small deal, and it contains both costs and the right vote for me." benefits for North Carolina. Many in the textile and apparel industries opposed it, It's hard to be any more firmly but many others didn't. Many N.C. committed than that, right? But farmers and food processors supported Wednesday night he voted "yes." He it, seeing the Central America- provided the edge in the 217-215 House Dominican Republic area as a potential vote. new market.

As Sen. Jesse Helms might have said, The state's congressional delegation was "Where do you stand, Robin?" similarly split. U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Dole and Richard Burr, both Republicans, He says he intended to vote "no" voted for it (though Sen. Burr in his Wednesday night but changed his mind 2004 campaign said he opposed it). In after House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R- this state's 13-member House delegation, Ill., promised, "You tell me what you only Rep. Hayes and Rep. Sue Myrick of need and we're going to do it." Rep. Charlotte, also a Republican, voted Hayes says he voted "yes" in return for "yes." Overall, 202 out of 231 the promise of benefits that were "really, Republicans but only 15 Democrats really significant for the people back voted for it. home, to improve their lives." What puts Rep. Hayes on the spot is not What benefits? He says the list is a work that he voted "yes" but that he'd in progress. Well, Rep. Hayes, when promised -- and promised and promised you've got it, we'd like to share it with -- to vote "no." Constituents thought your constituents. they knew where he stood. Then, late in the night, he suddenly moved. They're This is the second time Rep. Hayes, a entitled to ask what the heck happened. Republican whose 8th District stretches from Charlotte to Fayetteville, has had a Rep. Hayes, send us 800 words or so Graham Barnett, Henry Brown, Bob explaining exactly what benefits your Inglis and Joe Wilson. district will get for your vote, and we'll tell them. NO: N.C. Democrats G.K. Butterfield, Bob Etheridge, Mike McIntyre, Brad How they voted Miller, David Price and Mel Watt. N.C. Republicans Howard Coble, YES: N.C. Republicans Robin Hayes Virginia Foxx, Walter Jones, Patrick and Sue Myrick. S.C. Republicans McHenry. and Charles Taylor. S.C. Democrats John Spratt and Jim Clyburn.

Republished with permission of The Charlotte Observor. Copyright owned by The Charlotte Observor.