Legislation that would create a referendum on a meals tax for Durham County voters squeaked through the House today.

After the 60-59 vote, Rep. Wil Neumann, a Gaston County Republican, said that he voted incorrectly in favor and wanted his vote changed, reports Dan Kane.

Speaker Joe Hackney denied the request, saying it wasn't allowed because it would affect the outcome.

Neumann then asked to have the vote taken again, which the rules allow when the request comes from someone on the prevailing side.

But before the vote could be taken, Rep. Mickey Michaux, a Durham Democrat and a bill sponsor, urged his colleagues to support the legislation, reminding them that it only gives Durham residents the right to consider the tax. He then made a motion to kill Newmann's request. It passed by a 62-56 vote.

The legislation now goes to the Senate.

If a referendum becomes law, Durham County residents could vote to add a one percent sales tax on restaurant meals in the county. The legislation states that 80 percent of the proceeds would go toward civic and cultural amenities, 10 percent for marketing, five percent for workforce training and five percent for community clean up.

Mary Fant Donnan is counting on the Triangle.

The candidate for the Democratic nomination for labor commissioner said that Wake, Durham and Orange counties will be key in her upcoming runoff with former commissioner John C. Brooks.

Because there are no other statewide runoffs next Tuesday, Donnan said that turnout will be pretty low except in areas where a local runoff is also on the ballot.

In Durham County, a countywide school board runoff, and in Orange County, a county commissioner district-wide runoff will draw voters to the poll. And Donnan said past results show Wake County typically does well in runoff turnout because of a general interest in state government.

"There's a fair amount to do in the Triangle because all three counties have something that will bring voters out already," she told Dome.

She said that legislative runoffs in Wayne, Greene and Pitt counties could also draw voters.