Hundreds Rally Outside Troy Marriott Before Romney Fundraiser Event

A crowd of about 200 people gathered Wednesday afternoon outside the Troy Marriott hotel on Big Beaver Road to rally in protest of visiting Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney.

Romney is in Troy for a private.

Protesters carried signs and waved at motorists along Big Beaver, many of whom were honking as they passed by.

"We're here to support Barack Obama," said Jeff Klayo of Mt. Clemens, who attended the rally with two fellow UAW members. "He stands for the little guys... The working class."

Liz Ratzloff of Ann Arbor attended the rally and wore the official "Pillamina" mascot costume for Planned Parenthood.

"I'm here sporting Pillamina because Romney doesn't support low-cost birth control for women," she said, adding that the suit is warm. She and other Planned Parenthood supporters are taking turns wearing the suit.

"With the recent attacks on women in Michigan, its just a blueprint for what Mitt Romney would do across the country."

Protesters took turns retreating to a shaded area during the rally as temperatures soared in the mid-90s. 

Romney was last in Troy on Feb. 25, when he . During the rally, Romney played to the home crowd, saying, "It's good to be back in the place we called home for the first 19 years of my life."

Check back often as Patch posts continuous updates of the rally. Are you there, too? Add your photos to our gallery. Have thoughts on the rally or on Romney? Add them in the comments.