FAYETTE - About 100 people turned out for a lively health care forum at Upper Iowa University this morning conducted by Democratic U.S. 1st District Rep. Bruce Braley.

It originally was planned as one of Braley's typical sessions for one-on-one meetings with constituents on a host of issues. But his staff changed the format and dedicated the first 30 minutes to a question-and-answer session on the health insurance issue.

Audience members made impassioned arguments in favor of and against a public health insurance option, and supporters of divergent viewpoints cheered the respective speakers with whom they agreed.

Public option backer Kim Clocke of Arlington said he closed his 100-employee small business a few years ago to work on his family farm. Since then, he said he has been disgusted that buying individual insurance costs nearly three times as much as it did when he owned his small business.

"That's ridiculous," he said, and that's why he supports a public option

Gary Bishop, a farmer near West Union who is selling his dairy cows to make ends meet, said he opposed a public option.

He said he believes it will increase costs to small business owners at a time when many are struggling.

"By having a government option, you are going to be stifling growth in a private sector that is struggling," he said.

Braley said he shared those concerns, which is why a House bill includes exemptions and tax credits for small businesses.

Some heated discussions continued among attendees after the session.

Braley plans another session in Independence this afternoon.

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