Protesters gather before Obama event

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Anti-war protesters gathered outside the Madison middle school where President Barack Obama planned to give a speech to about 500 students, school members and invited guests Wednesday.

Dennis Coyier of Cottage Grove held a large sign that said "End the War." He says he voted for Obama in 2008 and he was wearing a button supporting his re-election in 2012. The 62-year-old Coyier says most of those protesting had voted for Obama with the hope that he would change the direction of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

A couple dozen other protesters held signs supporting universal health care and in favor of allowing illegal immigrants who graduate from U.S. high schools to earn permanent residency.

There were about 100 protesters a couple hours before the president's speech.