Thousands rally to protest health bill

WASHINGTON (AP) - Chanting "Kill the bill," thousands of conservatives rallied at the Capitol on Thursday against the Democrats' health care overhaul plan.

"This bill is the greatest threat to freedom that I have seen," House Republican leader John Boehner of Ohio told the crowd gathered on the lawn near the West Front of the Capitol.

Said Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa: "We're not going to leave this Hill until we kill this bill."

Democrats hope to pass the far-reaching legislation on Saturday and gained the backing Thursday of the AARP, the powerful seniors lobby.

Among the signs in the crowd was one reading, "Waterboard Congress," and another saying, "Vote no to government-run health care." The crowd included a significant number of older Americans.

Inside the Capitol, legislative action continued in the House and the Senate.