Specter faces more town hall anger

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. | Sen. Arlen Specter heard a fresh chorus of taunts Wednesday from opponents of health care reform and said they were “not necessarily representative of America” but should be heard.

Critics lobbed a barrage of now-familiar verbal jabs at the Republican-turned-Democrat during a more-than-90-minute session at a Penn State University conference center. Some opponents said the overhaul that could cost billions of dollars was unwise at a time when the economy was in recession. Others accused Mr. Specter of failing to do homework in trying to rush through legislation.

Speaking on CBS’ “Early Show” before the meeting, Mr. Specter said he was “impressed with the fact that people have been very well-prepared.” Many have come to meetings with copies of the legislation and have cited specific provisions in their arguments.

In State College, some people read lengthy statements before posing a question. One woman handed Mr. Specter a copy of the Constitution. A few questioners praised Mr. Specter for facing detractors before relaying their own criticism.

The most vocal of the more than 400 attendees jeered Mr. Specter. The forum at times turned into a shouting and hissing match between supporters and critics.

“Traditionally, people who come to town meetings have objections,” Mr. Specter said after the event. “They may not be representative of America, but they are significant, and their views have to be taken into account.”

Meanwhile in Iowa, Sen. Charles E. Grassley, a Republican who is a key bargainer on health care reform, played to packed crowds across the state who left little doubt that they are not happy with what’s on the table.

The questions were tough but respectful, and there was little of the shouting that has dominated similar meetings in other parts of the country.

“It seems to me that people are expressing, not just on health care, but people are just very scared about the direction the country is taking,” said Mr. Grassley, who emphasized that he hasn’t signed off on anything.