PORTAGE | With Kenny Chesney's "Shiftwork" and Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Fortunate Son" blasting overhead, a rally of the Northwest Indiana Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, seemed more like a rock concert.

Hundreds of union members and others concerned about the status of health care coverage in the U.S. gathered Saturday for the Turn Around America Rally at the Duneland Falls Banquet Center in Portage.

"We decided to go big," AFL-CIO President Jerome Davison said. "We want to inform and motivate our union members and leaders elected to office here in the region and let them know what the election means to us and the community."

The event featured a preprogram meet and greet with Democratic candidates, including Indiana gubernatorial candidate Jill Long Thompson, D-Argos, and a keynote speech by U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, a Democrat from Merrillville.

Visclosky was interrupted several times by thunderous applause as he spoke of the struggle to make health care available to all Americans.

"We have tried twice vigorously to put a dent in this problem for the children of America," Visclosky said. "George Bush doesn't have a problem with health care because he's the president of the United States and can't see past his nose. We have got to make a change."

Visclosky criticized the drug companies, saying they have become little more than marketing firms.

"They want me to grow hair so I can get a date again," said Visclosky, to the laughter of the audience. "We need health insurance. They don't need a profit."

The approach he proposed was simple.

"If (my 92-year-old dad) were here today, he would say ... get out there and vote straight Democrat," Visclosky said.

Tom Williamson, of Hammond, and Doug Strayer, of Crown Point, both members of Ironworkers Local 395, said they're not sure who they'll vote for in Indiana's May 6 primary. Both attended Saturday's event to help them decide.

"Now that our state is going to make a difference, I'm interested in what these candidates have to say," Strayer said.

Phyllis Simpson, of Highland, said she and her fiance, Dan Frost, an LTV retiree, are frustrated with the current system.

"There are so many people without health care, and as retirees, our income is eaten up by prescription drugs and medical care not covered by insurance," Simpson said.

Former Indiana Gov. Joe Kernan and former first lady Maggie Kernan represented Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign, while Illinois state Rep. George Scully, D-Flossmoor, represented Barack Obama presidential campaign.