House votes today on trade deal: Illinois Dems resist Obama appeals

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama added a visit to Capitol Hill to his Friday morning schedule, to meet with House Democrats as he hunts for elusive votes for his Asian-Pacific trade deal.

Last night, Obama made a surprise visit to the Congressional Baseball game in Nationals Park — where Democratic and Republican men slug it out — in an effort to win a few more Democratic votes.

The showdown votes are Friday afternoon in the House and in an interesting alliance, it’s Obama and the Republicans against most House Democrats — including his usually diehard supporters, the Illinois Democrats.

Except for Rep. Mike Quigley D-Ill., Illinois Democrats in Congress are not backing the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact Obama is seeking or giving him the power to fast-track the deal.

The Obama White House needs a chunk of Democratic votes — about 20 — to secure the fast-track Trade Promotion Authority and to get the TPP approved. Republicans are expected to provide the majority of the support.

My May story on the Asian Pacific Trade deal and the resistance of the Illinois Delegation to backing Obama is HERE. My June story about how the Illinois delegation is not budging for Obama is HERE.

Last Month, the Senate approved giving Obama “fast-track” authority to negotiate new trade pacts — with only two votes to spare.

Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., who is very close to Obama, voted no; Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., voted yes.