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HARRISON — An ambulance went screaming by with lights flashing as Hans Lessmann told a group of about 40 Tea Party protesters he wanted legislators to "vote no on the health-care bill."

The group gathered at U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire's office along Freeport Road on Wednesday afternoon to voice their opposition to a health-reform bill expected to face a vote soon.

John Krisiak, of Freeport, who organized the event as part of the Alle-Kiski 9.12 group, said they chose the office because Altmire, D-McCandless, is one of the legislators on the fence about the overhaul bill.

"We asked people to leave the pitchforks at home and to assemble here peacefully," he said.

Krisiak said he was against a bill that contained personal mandates, calling them "a slippery slope."

President Obama hopes the House will approve a health-care overhaul bill by March 18. Right now, Democratic leaders want Congress to send Obama the nearly $1 trillion health overhaul that the Senate passed in December — plus a separate bill making changes that House Democrats want.

Lessmann, who is president of the Society for the Education of Physicians and Patients, told the group that Altmire would be a hero if he voted against the bill, but should be voted out if he went the other way.

"We've had enough of elegant speeches from teleprompters on health care," he said. "The vision is clear: Take over the banks. Take over the auto industry. Take over health care. Take over 401(k). Bang — Socialism."

Altmire said during a telephone interview that he welcomed the thoughts of his constituents, including a group that traveled to meet with him in Washington, D.C., for 90 minutes on Wednesday morning.

"It's too important for me as a representative to not hear from everyone," he said. "I would do them a disservice if they showed up and I said it was too late and I already decided how I would vote."

He said the current bill is improved from the one he voted against in November. He was pleased that an income tax increase and small business mandate were removed.

"I have to be convinced the bill brought before us brings down the cost of health care for those that have it now; families, businesses and government," Altmire said. "I won't vote for a bill that will raise the deficit by even one penny."

Marie Hunkele, of Indiana Township, said she came out for the protest because she is part of the conservative grass-roots movement. She is against the cost of the health-care overhaul as well any bill that includes coverage of abortion and reduced funds for Medicare, she said.

"I want them to start over with the bill by taking some reasonable steps," she said. "I don't think Altmire is listening to us. If he was, he wouldn't say now that he will vote for this bill."

Several children who came with the protesters held signs against the bill as cars on Freeport Road honked.

When a few sped by without honking, one woman yelled, "You're gonna hate this health care once you get it."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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