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From: John King/CNN White House Correspondent
In: Newark, N.J.
Posted 10-8-97
Subject: Thin Democratic support threatens fast track future
The White House won the support of only four of 16 Democrats on Wednesday in a House Ways and Means Committee mark up of legislation granting the president fast-track authority to negotiate trade agreements.
The overall committee vote was 24-14; two Republicans also voted against the measure.
White House officials acknowledged the lack of Democratic support was a setback. President Clinton and Vice President Al Gore both personally lobbied Democratic members of the committee urging them to support the measure - a major administration priority.
The committee vote underscored the administration's problem in delivering the 40 to 50 Democratic votes the House Republican leadership says will be necessary to pass the measure.
Indeed, sources tell CNN that the White House informed House Speaker Newt Gingrich this week that it has only 14 solid Democratic votes for the measure. House Democratic leader Richard Gephardt opposes the president on fast track and he and allies have been working feverishly to counter the White House lobbying effort.
In Other News:
Wednesday Oct. 8, 1997
• Senators Grill Ickes On Democratic Fund-Raising
• Democratic Fund-Raisers Will Testify If Immunized
• Bennett: No 'Distinguishing Characteristics'
• Clinton Replies To Thompson
E-Mail From Washington:
• Clinton To Propose IRS Citizens' Panel On Friday
• White House Works To Shore Up Democratic Fast Track Support
• Lott: Fund-Raising Investigation May Be Extended
News Briefs:
• Clinton Touts 'Unprecedented' Welfare-Roll Decline ...
Special Online Companion:
• The Money Trail: Democracy For Sale