NORMAL -- A crowd of hundreds of people, most of whom appeared to vocally oppose President Barack Obama's health care reform proposals, packed a town hall meeting with U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson on Wednesday at Normal Public Library.

"This is democracy in action," the Urbana Republican said from the podium as he surveyed the standing-room-only crowd, which appeared to exceed 300 people. People spilled into the hallway and many more were turned away at the door.

Most who spoke during the hour-long meeting expressed unhappiness with Obama's policies in general and health care reform in particular. A minority held signs and spoke in favor of changing health care.

"I love my country. I love Illinois. Our country is going to be Marxist nation," said Pam Johnson of Restore Our Constitution, a Decatur-based group that organized as part of the "tea party" tax protest movement. "Where is the outcry from the Republicans?"

Emotions in the crowd, composed mostly of senior citizens, ran high, but Johnson reminded people to stay quiet while others spoke. Several Normal police officers were in the room.

In terms of the GOP response to Democratic dominance of the federal government, Johnson said, "We need to be more articulate in enunciating principles."

While not responding to directly to the comment about Marxism, Johnson did say that the Obama administration has brought changes in the fundamental concepts of government that "for the most part I don't support."

Johnson also reminded people that if they are unhappy with how things are going, they can vote in congressional elections next year.

"In my 37 years of elected office, I've never seen people as angry as they are right now," he said.

Johnson said some of his colleagues in Washington, D.C, rapidly lose contact with constituents back home they "think God must have appointed them to that position."

A few audience members spoke out against the current health care system. They spoke of young people being unable to afford health insurance at entry-level jobs or not being able to get coverage for pre-existing conditions.

A few also held pro-reform signs, such as "Public option = affordable health care."

Johnson acknowledged the need for reform, but said he favored a market-based system and giving incentives to encourage people to take better care of themselves.

In his statement on health care on his Web site, Johnson said he is sponsoring legislation to allow small businesses to band together into associations that would allow them to buy health insurance at lower costs. He also opposes health care coverage for people in the country illegally, he said on his Web site.

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Next up in Pontiac

What: Town meeting with U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson

When: 7 to 8 p.m. Monday

Where: Pontiac City Hall, 115 W. Howard St., Pontiac