Peterson holds health care forum in Bemidji

Jane Erwin drove to Bemidji on Monday from Hoffman, Minn., to tell U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson that government shouldn't expand its role in health care.

Unemployed, Erwin said Congress should have done more for jobs than for health care.

"I grew up in a family with eight brothers and sisters -- we all feel the same way," Erwin said. "We do not believe that government owes us anything. We are responsible Americans, and we want to have control over our own lives, and that includes health insurance."

Peterson, DFL-7th District, held the second of two health care roundtables Monday at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Bemidji, drawing 350 people in one room, and another 40 people listening from the hallway.