Covering Congress isn't a 9 to 5 job. Many newspapers have deadlines as early as 6 pm. But most lawmakers do their heavy lifting after hours, behind closed doors and in the proverbial smoke-filled room. Such was the case over the summer when the House of Representatives narrowly approved the controversial Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) just before midnight. Rep. Steven LaTourette (R-Concord Township) had opposed the pact. But he switched at the last minute to give President Bush a sought-after victory.
History sometimes repeats itself. This week, House Republicans were biting their nails about the prospects of a $49 billion budget reduction bill. They scrambled to garner every GOP vote possible. But around 1:15 am Friday, LaTourette voted against the legislation. Correspondent Chad Pergram interviewed LaTourette shortly after his no vote. But the GOP leadership desperately needed LaTourette's help to pass this controversial measure at the last minute. So LaTourette caved. And at 1:55 am, Pergram again interviewed LaTourette to find out how Republican leaders cajoled the Congressman to change his vote. Hear the story here.