"We need to bring more attention to the lousy record Joe Lieberman has on health care to make sure people know Joe Lieberman is wrong on this issue," said Leo Canty, president of the Connecticut State Federation of Teachers. Like many demonstrators, Canty sported a sticker reading, "Say it ain't so, Joe."

The rally was organized by the Connecticut State AFL-CIO, which represents about 200,000 people. Union President John W. Olsen, who spoke at a brief gathering after the rally outside the First Church of Christ, said the demonstration was intended to counter the heavy lobbying Lieberman and other lawmakers have received from the health and insurance industries.

Lieberman's Washington-based press secretary, Jim Kennedy, said the senator knew about the rally and would take into account the demonstrators' concerns.