Reform opponents want the Democratic congressman to vote against the health care reform legislation. He voted for the first version of the legislation.
Opponents are focusing their attention on Etheridge because he appears to be one of two of the state's U.S. representatives who remain undecided on the final version of the health care reform legislation. There are a total of 13 representative who represent NC in Congress.
Etheridge's decision could make or break the vote for President Barack Obama's key domestic issue.
His staff says their phones in Washington D.C. are ringing off the hook. They are getting calls from the local district, Colorado, South Carolina and Texas.
Staffers say Etheridge's key question is over health care cost control, but he also is trying to answer questions from constituents. Protestors say they don't buy it.
Of N.C.'s eight Democrats in Congress, five of them voted for health care reform the first time.
Etheridge has been the target of demonstrations because some Republicans think he could be vulnerable in the November election. If he decides to vote for the bill, Republicans want to try to use it against him in a campaign.
On Monday, U.S. Representative David Price (D-NC) announced publically he would support the legislation.
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