Barney Frank Shouted at and Booed and yet shouts back.

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It was a tough crowd Tuesday night at the senior center in Dartmouth, Mass. But neither Rep. Barney Frank nor his critics seemed to back down.

The often contentious town hall-style event with the Democratic congressman, chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, drew more than 500 people, some shouting and booing as Frank spoke.

The topics ranged from health care reform to financial issues, such as the federal bank bailouts. Big government policies fueled much of the outrage expressed as the forum, as has been the case at other town hall events attended this month by members of Congress.

"The economy is collapsing," one woman told Frank, suggesting that President Obama has chosen the wrong time to pursue health care reform.

When she compared the administration's policies to Germany under Hitler, Frank responded by asking her, "On what planet do you spend most of your time?"

Frank's response drew a mix of applause and shouts.

And while some critics went so far as to call Frank a "liar," the congressman hardly backed down from the confrontations.

"Do you really think that's thoughtful conversion?" Frank said at one point in response to the verbal attacks. "Do you really think that advances your argument? I mean, I thought you were thoughtful people here to have a conversation."

The meeting organized by the Democratic Town Committee of Dartmouth. At least a dozen protesters gathered in small groups outside the venue.

The health care system overhaul has generated controversy among Democrats and near unanimous opposition among Republicans.

Frank blamed cost of the war in Iraq as one reason it has been difficult to find the resources to cover domestic reforms.

Dartmouth Democratic party officials said people from as far as Martha's Vineyard, Boston and western Massachusetts had planned to attend the meeting.

Extra police were assigned to the meeting after angry protesters turned up at widely publicized town hall events held by Democratic lawmakers.

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