CHICAGO, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- A rally was held in downtown Chicago Tuesday to show support for U.S. President Barack Obama' s health care reform.

    The rally was organized by Chicago Democratic leaders. Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, Treasurer Alexi Giannoulis, U.S. Rep. Danny Davis and several state lawmakers were among those firing up the Democratic base of organized labor and liberal advocacy groups gathered at Federal Plaza in downtown Chicago.

    At the rally, hundreds said the proposed changes will lead to better and more affordable treatment.

    "Let us mark this day as the beginning of our summer offensive to win the battle for quality, affordable health care for each and every American," said U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, an Democrat who said the fight for reform was "a battle of Biblical dimensions" against powerful insurance companies and the sick people they deny coverage.

    But Eric Odom, a conservative activist who organized a counter protest, said he fears the plan would strip away his provider choices and add to the federal deficit.

    Obama had been pushing for lawmakers to vote on a health care plan before their August recess. That didn't happen, and the issue is following lawmakers back to their home districts before they head back to Washington next month.

    Support for Obama' s health-care effort has declined over the past five weeks, particularly among those who already have insurance, a new poll found, amid prolonged debate over costs and quality of health care.