RALEIGH, N.C. – For the first time in state history, North Carolina lawmakers have voted to override a governor’s veto.

Members of the House and Senate voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to override Gov. Mike Easley’s rejection of a new law easing the restrictions on the towing of boats.

Easley rejected a measure approved last month that allows boats up to 10 feet wide to be towed without a permit. The new law also allows boats up to 9 1/2 feet wide to be towed at night.

House Majority Leader Hugh Holliman said lawmakers tried to work out a compromise with Easley before Wednesday’s vote, but were unsuccessful.
 
North Carolina lawmakers have never overridden a veto since the state’s governors were given the power in 1996.