Black lawmakers winning converts to fight against flag proposal

ATLANTA - Black lawmakers are backing off their plan to filibuster a new Georgia flag bill Friday, the final day of the session. <br> <br> The change comes as leaders from both parties hint that a provision allowing a referendum on a flag dominated by the Confederate battle emblem may be removed from the bill. <br> <br> The chairman of the Black Legislative Caucus said changes are likely to the flag bill that passed the Senate earlier this week. <br> <br> Democratic Senator Ed Harbison of Columbus said, ``There&#39;s a visible shift when you talk to people from both parties. We will take an action and not just try to run out the clock.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> At least a half-dozen plans were floating around the Capitol with one day remaining to pass a flag bill. <br> <br> New Republican Governor Perdue, whose promise of a flag referendum figured largely into his campaign, has asked for a statewide vote on the banner. But the governor said he&#39;s flexible on what that vote should look like and whether the Dixie cross should be on the ballot. <br> <br> Both the House and Senate have voted to raise a temporary flag, with the possibility of a referendum on an old Georgia flag dominated by the rebel symbol if the temporary flag is rejected by voters next year. <br> <br> But slight differences between the House and Senate versions mean the matter has not been settled.