Thousands rally to protest health care bill

Calling herself a 'lamb of God,' a woman joins a handful of anti-abortion demonstrators outside the Cannon House Office Building November 5, 2009 in Washington, DC. The protesters were voicing their opposition to Congress' health care reform legislation, saying it supports government funding of abortion. (Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Thousands of conservatives are rallying at the Capitol against the Democrats' health care overhaul plan.

Protesters chanted, "Kill the bill," as they awaited speeches by Republican leaders on Thursday. The campaign-style event kicked off a day-long, GOP protest against the legislation, which Democrats hope to pass in a historic vote Saturday.

The protesters gathered on the lawn near the West Front of the Capitol. One carried a sign reading, "Waterboard Congress." Other signs said, "Vote no to government-run health care."

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

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