NC state rep pushes wrong button, overrides veto

Tuesday July 3, 2012 7:30 PM

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A North Carolina state representative says she voted mistakenly to override the governor's veto of a bill to allow the shale gas exploration called "fracking" but was told she couldn't change it because this would have altered the outcome.

Democratic Rep. Becky Carney of Charlotte says she pushed the green "yes" button at her desk Monday night to override Democratic Gov. Beverly Perdue's veto of the measure before realizing she wanted to vote red, or "no."

Her "yes" vote made the tally 72-47 — just above the 60 percent required to override in the Republican-controlled Legislature. The chamber's rules prevent members from changing a vote if it affects the outcome.

Carney had voted earlier against fracking. She said Tuesday she feels terrible about her error but acknowledged the bill passed legally.

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