U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson told members of the Hilton Head Island Republican Club on Sunday that he wants to "close the book on things that have happened in the past" -- hinting at his outburst during President Barack Obama's speech to Congress on health care reform -- and instead focus on health care and other issues facing the nation.

"I am the Democrats' number one target in the United States," Wilson said. "I want to thank you for your strong support. I'm so grateful for the people of Beaufort County."

Wilson spoke for about 30 minutes atop a wooden platform on playground equipment at Jarvis Creek Park where the Republican Club hosted a picnic and silent auction. Two gubernatorial candidates and other elected officials also spoke during the event.

The crowd of about 200 people appeared to support Wilson, whose outburst during Obama's speech has led to a flurry of supporters and opponents writing letters to the editor and also led to a flood of campaign contributions for Wilson and his Democrat opponent in the 2008 election, Rob Miller of Beaufort. Miller also intends to seek the seat in 2010.

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