SUN CITY, Ariz._U.S. Sen. John McCain spoke against a proposal by Democrats to create a government-run health care plan, saying it would be the eventual end of private health care in the U.S.

"Obviously the quote, 'public option,' in my view, is the beginning of the end of private health insurance in America because of the advantage it would give to the government plan," the Arizona Republican told hundreds of mostly senior citizens at a packed church in the retirement community of Sun City on Tuesday.

"If you're an employer and can get a health insurance plan that's less expensive, at least initially, from the government of course you're going to take it," McCain said at the town hall meeting.

Dozens of angry would-be audience members were turned away at the door, with some shouting at each other and debating health care reform in the triple-digit temperatures outside.

The scene mirrored some of the heated debate happening at town hall meetings across the country.

McCain said without such passion from the American people, President Barack Obama's plan to create a government-run health care option "would have been railroaded through Congress."

"I think you may be seeing the beginning of a peaceful _ and I emphasize peaceful _ revolt in America," he said. "I've seen involvement and engagement on the part of Americans the likes of which I've never seen before."

Obama and most Democrats say the choice of a public plan would serve to balance the power of private insurers. But insurance companies see it as a step toward a government takeover, and many business groups agree.

McCain said he supports reform so all Americans can get affordable insurance but added a government option is not the answer.

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The crowd mostly cheered his remarks. However, he was booed several times, particularly when he reiterated his support to close Guantanamo Bay after an audience member asked him about it.

McCain was characteristically relaxed at the town hall and joked frequently, sheepishly saying, "I don't know" after one question and telling a joke about lawyers being "scum-sucking bottom dwellers." (c) 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. SUN CITY, Ariz. "Obviously the quote, 'public option,' in my view, is the beginning of the end of private health insurance in America because of the advantage it would give to the government plan," the Arizona Republican told hundreds of mostly senior citizens at a packed church in the retirement community of Sun City on Tuesday.

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