George Clooney may be a Hollywood liberal, but in North Carolina his name is budget magic.
Rep. Phil Haire, a Jackson County Democrat, convinced the House Appropriations Committee today to shift $50,000 in movie recruitment money to western North Carolina after pointing out that Clooney is shooting a movie at locations between Charlotte and Greensboro, Dan Kane reports.
"Leatherheads," a romantic comedy involving an aging football hero, is slated for release later this year.
Haire proposed taking the $50,000 from a $100,000 allocation to recruit movie productions to Eastern North Carolina. That had Rep. Edith Warren, a Farmville Democrat, up in arms. She said that money is needed to grow film making in her region.
Haire, a chief budget writer, chided Warren.
"I may not be able to get you George Clooney's autograph if you oppose my amendment, Edith," Haire said.
The amendment passed 48-16.
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