David and Micki Hair started attending "tea party" protests in April. The Edgefield couple have racked up quite a few miles since, making their way to Washington, D.C., in September and, most recently, Augusta on Tuesday to protest big-government policies.

"We just think it's important that people stand up right now before the government takes over everything," said Mrs. Hair, who carried a sign emblazoned with "No We Won't."

The Tea Party Express II bus tour made its way into town on a rainy Tuesday, stopping at Augusta Common, where it drew a crowd of several hundred.

The signs dotted throughout the event spoke out against government policies, specifically health-care reform proposals, taxes and government bailouts.

The "tea party" movement began in April, targeting tax policies. On Tuesday, organizers urged participants to mobilize to halt health-care reform efforts in the U.S. Senate and take back Congress from Democratic control in 2010.

After the narrow passage last weekend of a health care bill in the House, organizers said the battle is not over.

"Nancy Pelosi may have gotten it through her House, but folks we still have a chance to stop it dead in the Senate," said Deborah Johns, who travels with the bus and is the vice chairwoman of the political action committee Our Country Deserves Better.

Mark Williams, the vice chairman of Our Country Deserves Better, said the 220 votes for the health-care legislation provided a handy list for opponents trying to take over those House seats.

"Two hundred twenty members of the people's House declared war on the Constitution and the people who swear to protect it," Mr. Williams said.

Many in the crowd said they were cautious of or completely against the government having more control in their lives through either a public option or universal health care.

Debbie Osmundsen, of Aiken, said she could not sit back and watch and wanted to be part of a movement. She said she worries there will not be enough doctors or that good doctors will no longer have an incentive to practice.

"I don't want somebody to tell me what insurance company to use," Ms. Osmundsen said.

Patrick Tolton, 64, a Vietnam veteran, said he thought people were too reliant on the government for support, which would bode ill for future Americans.

"I do not believe in all the government intrusion that's taking place now," said Mr. Tolton, of Aiken.

The Tea Party Express II also made a stop in Atlanta on Monday night and is scheduled to wrap up its two-week tour in Orlando on Thursday.