Obama says expects tough vote on healthcare reform

FAIRFAX, Va., March 19 (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama said on Friday he expected a tough vote on his healthcare reform bill in the House of Representatives, where Democratic leaders are scrambing to round up support for the overhaul.

"If this vote fails, the insurance industry will continue to run wild in America," Obama warned at a healthcare event in Fairfax, Virginia, ahead of an expected vote in the House on Sunday.

"That's why they're pouring millions of dollars into negative ads. That's why they're doing everything they can to kill this bill," he said.

"I know this has been a difficult journey. I know this will be a tough vote," he said. "I still believe we can do what's right. I still believe we can do what's hard. The need is great. The opportunity is here. And the time for reform is now."

(Reporting by Ross Colvin)