Danville, VA - Sign wars and shouting. Discussion turned into confrontation in Danville Monday, as people debated Congressman Tom Perriello's vote on the latest Health Care Reform Bill.

Congressman Perriello voted Saturday in favor of the bill, and says he made that decision because it will make health care affordable for the middle class, but Perriello's vote has people in our area doing more than talking, as was quite evident by the protests outside the congressman's Danville office.

Folks that gathered could be heard saying, "Hands off Healthcare" and “He had the opportunity to stand up and do what was right and he blew it,” and by his supporters, “Give him a chance! Give him an opportunity” and "Thank you Tom!"

State Director of Americans For Prosperity, Ben Marchi, said, “The last time we were in Danville, we said that if Congressman Perriello didn't vote the right way on this health care legislation, we would be back ."

The streets outside the Congressman's office became an exercise in free speech and a loud debate on health care reform.

Earline Sanders with Hands off my HealthCare said, "I just don't want them others to get in here."

"I'm just holding my sign. If they want to get in my face, they'll get it back," Sissons said.

The protests were supervised by police.

Gean Wilt with Hands off My Health Care said, "I think he's here just to be sure this doesn't turn in to some kind of a riot."

But the folks here say that passion shows how deep this issue cuts. They have opinions, and they want them heard.

"I'm tired of others coming down here in large groups or in a group and claiming that they're speaking for all the people in this area. They're not. They're not speaking for me," Sheila Baynes said.

Eileen Might with Hands off My Health Care said, "He does not vote for the people. He votes what he thinks and he just doesn't seem to get it."

Congressman Perriello was not in his Danville office Monday, but they have been informed about what went on.

The congressman plans to have a telephone town hall meeting on the issue Thursday, the public is welcom to join.

INFORMATION:

WHAT: Congressman Perriello invites all 5 th District constituents to dial in to a telephone town hall meeting on health care reform. Constituents will have an opportunity to ask questions of the Congressman and to express concerns. The call is free and participants may dial in at any time. This is the third telephone town hall Congressman Perriello has held this year; the format allows thousands of constituents from around the massive district to listen at one time. He also held 21 in-person town hall meetings on health care reform during the month of August.

WHEN: Thursday, November 12, 2009 from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

HOW: Dial in to 877-269-7289 and enter PIN 14581

WHO: Congressman Tom Perriello (D-VA) and thousands of residents from around the 5 th District

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