BOULDER — Gun control was a major focus on the University of Colorado campus ahead of , with scores of protesters waving signs calling for more strict background checks.
Former Gov. Martin O’Malley, a Democratic presidential candidate, met behind closed doors at the university’s main center with families of victims in the Aurora theater, Columbine and Newtown shootings.
O’Malley commended the group’s efforts to “transform their loss into something (important),” telling the group of about two dozen that he is the candidate to help them get meaningful legislation passed.
“It’s about making this a national issue,” said Sandy Phillips, who met with O’Malley and whose daughter was slain in the 2012 Aurora theater shooting. “It should be everyone’s issue.”
Phillips said she came to CU on Wednesday to battle the gun rights beliefs of the Republican candidates debating.
Tom Mauser, whose son Daniel was killed in the 1999 Columbine High School massacre, also met with O’Malley. Outside of the Coors Events Center, Mauser entered a terse exchange with Jim Gilbreath, who was clad head to toe in Ben Carson regalia.
The two stood face to face debating the Second Amendment.
“People have called me a Nazi for what I’m trying to do,” Mauser said.
“I’m sorry for the loss of your son,” Gilbreath returned.
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Federico Pena led a rally on the university’s Farrand Field called “My Country, My Vote,” kicking off a year-long campaign to encourage the civic engagement of Colorado’s Latino community.
“We want to respond to all the negative comments against immigrants and Latinos,” he said. “It’s about the rhetoric we’ve all been hearing.”
A crowd of several hundred chanted, danced and cheered as speakers, including Lt. Gov. Joe Garcia, discussed the importance of the Latino vote.
“Donald Trump, go home!” the Rev. Patrick Demmer yelled to the crowd, referencing the candidate’s comments about immigrants.
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Outside of the Coors Events Center, protesters began gathering about 3 p.m. and sporadically milled about the sprawling “free speech zone.”
Supporters and denouncers of the candidates were surrounded by sign-waivers promoting groups including Alzheimers awareness, Planned Parenthood and marijuana legalization.
Hunter Thompson, a CU freshman, stood dressed in Donald Trump gear, including the candidate’s famous “Make America Great Again” hat.
“I know out of all the candidates, he is going to fix the economy,” he said.
His classmate, fellow freshman Sam Gadbois, said he, too, is a Republican and that he was excited to hear what the candidates had to say. Both students expressed frustration at not being able to get tickets to the event.
“It’s cool that it’s here,” he said. “It doesn’t make any sense, but it’s cool.”
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“Students want to participate in the political process,” said senior Misha Zimmerman as she stood in the free speech zone waving a poster denouncing the Republican National Committee. “The RNC has shut us out.”
Zimmerman, like other students, expressed frustration at the dearth of tickets available to students.
“We want everyone to know the people clapping in there are not real people,” she said. “It’s bought and paid for.”
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At the university’s campus center, students packed a ballroom to watch the debate on three sprawling screens. They laughed and clapped as the candidates spoke, respectfully watching the action.
“I’m just interested in hearing all different sides,” said Tori Soper, a freshman, as she watched the debate with friends. “This is the first year I’ll be able to vote in a presidential election.”
Jesse Paul: 303-954-1733, jpaul@ denverpost.com or twitter.com/JesseAPaul
