Created: 11/06/2009 7:01 PM KSTC45.com | Print Story

Led by Bachmann, Protesters Target Health Care

WASHINGTON (AP) - Thousands of conservatives heeded the call from Congresswoman Michele Bachmann and descended on the U.S. Capitol to protest the Democrats' health care overhaul.

Late last month, the Minnesota Republican invited viewers of Fox News to Washington to roam House office buildings and confront lawmakers. She asked them to find members of Congress, look into their eyes and tell them to oppose the bill.

Actors Jon Voight and John Ratzenberger, who played Cliff on the comedy series "Cheers," attended Thursaday's rally, But the real star was Bachmann. The crowd chanted "We want Michele!" and "Kill the bill!" as she took the microphone.

House Democrats hope to pass the sweeping legislation on Saturday, buoyed by endorsements from the American Medical Association and the powerful seniors lobby AARP.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)