HILLSBORO, Mo. -- The town hall started on a prayerful note, then a grateful one, but the crowd quickly turned to the nitty gritty.

"If you are adamantly opposed to any federal health care reform raise your hand," said Senator Claire McCaskill.

The audience filled two bowl-fulls of questions about the senate's first draft of the health care bill. The crowd asked about how private plans compete, calls for insurance reform, covering the uninsured, and other health hot button issues.

"I can tell you there is not one word in this bill that would allow federal tax dollars to be spent on abortions," said Sen. McCaskill.

The emotion tied to health care was audibly unavoidable, but that wasn't the worst of it. Two women were escorted out of the auditorium.
The mix of answers and outrage has some wondering if the town halls are worth it?
The proof may be in attendance.

"People want to know details and have certainty they won't be worse off than they are now," said Kevin Pybas, Professor of Political Science at Missouri State.

And so the questions continue, with the Senator insisting the voters voice is valid. If you'd like your health care question to be heard, you may get your chance. A Town Hall is scheduled for Springfield on September 1st. The time and location are to be announced, we'll bring it to you as soon as we know.