SOURCE: FOX2now.com
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO (FOX2now.com) - The debate over health care reform has moved to South County, and the Town Hall forum held by Congressman Russ Carnahan generated plenty of fireworks. The town hall meeting was scheduled months ago by Carnahan's office. The intent was initially to educate senior citizens about Medicaid and Medicare issues, but Thursday the Democratic Party sent out releases encouraging people to show up and show support for President Obama's health care reform plan.

So there is a mixed crowd, of vocal opponents to the plan and others supporters. The two sides spent much of the evening attempting to shout one another down. Many showed up with signs which were not allowed into the gymnasium where the meeting was held.

In recent weeks, town hall forums like this have been overtaken by opposition groups who have heckled and mocked supporters of the President's health care reform plan including Congressman Carnahan.

Congressman Carnahan's office said health care reform wasn't to be the main issue, Thursday, but that topic got plenty of attention. There were speakers from AARP, Medicaid, and Medicare who will answer questions from senior citizens.

Opposition groups showed up around 4:30pm with signs in hand, some claiming health care reform is the start of socialism, but there were just as many in favor of reform.

By evening's end, Carnahan hastily departed without comment. His staff said the meeting did not turn out the way the congressman had intended.