VALPARAISO | The debate over health care reform that is sweeping the nation came to Valparaiso on Wednesday night as hundreds of residents gathered near the Porter County Courthouse.

Supporters of the reform bill had organized a rally and candlelight vigil, but were outnumbered more than 2-1 by opponents.

Waving flags and shouting "Kill the bill," opponents circled the courthouse, surrounding those who had gathered in support.

"This is just evidence of how polarizing this issue is," said Valparaiso resident Kathy Ludwig, a reform proponent who carried a sign that read "Health care not warfare."

Rally organizer Christopher Pupillo said the Valparaiso event was one of more than 400 pro-health care reform rallies taking place throughout the country Wednesday. Hobart and Highland were among other communities in the region hosting rallies.

"This is part of something bigger," Pupillo said. "In small towns and big cities, people are rallying in support of health care reform. This is the beginning of what I think is going to be a real sea change in this debate."

As supporters sang songs and listened to speakers, they often were drowned out by the highly vocal protesters.

Pupillo was not surprised that such a large number of the opposition turned out in response to his rally.

"Anger and fear drives turnout," he said. "They're very organized. About half these people came from South Bend and Elkhart.

"We're not going to engage with them. We are not going to have a shouting match."

Mallory Fiegle, 21, of Hobart, stood quietly holding a sign that read "Government option, optional. Get it?"

"We deserve to have health care that will satisfy every need," she said. "I'm trying to keep optimistic (that the legislation will pass). I have hope for our country."

Valparaiso resident Lois Reiner said she is on Medicare and wants everyone to have what she has.

"It's a moral issue," she said. "There has to be a change."

Chesterton resident Debbie Whitecar was among those opposing the reform.

"I've been to over 25 countries, and socialist health care does not work," she said. "The government should never be in control. It's failed everywhere else."

Judith and Stanley Jones, of Munster, carried signs calling the reform plan "Obama care."

"Part of this program is to kill off the young and the old," Stanley Jones said. "I don't think the government should be subsidizing abortions."