Jason Connolly, Getty Images
Colorado Republican party alternate delegate Steve Barlock shows his support for Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump at the 2016 Western Conservative Summit on July 1, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. / AFP PHOTO / Jason ConnollyJASON CONNOLLY/AFP/Getty Images 
By John Frank | jfrank@denverpost.com | The Denver Post
PUBLISHED: | UPDATED:
Getting your player ready...
CLEVELAND — Steve Barlock is a Donald Trump fanatic in a Ted Cruz state. And not until he made it to the Republican National Convention in Cleveland did he feel more at home.
The 44-year-old from Denver is an alternate in the Colorado delegation. To get here, he said he endured intimidation from the Cruz camp at the state GOP convention and plenty of wary looks. When he made “Colorado for Trump” , “it wasn’t a friendly reception,” he recalled.
“Itap like throwing dry noodles at the wall talking to my own delegation,” Barlock said. “So I was happy to go find other (Trump) people from everywhere” at the national convention.
Barlock is one of a handful of Trump alternates in a Colorado delegation and critics of the Republican nominee who during the week.
He is not a typical party activist, unlike most in the delegation. In fact, he didn’t register as a Republican until fall 2015. A life-long independent who years ago worked to get Democrat John Hickenlooper elected Denver mayor, Barlock writes his own name in for president every four years. The last candidate he voted for: Ross Perot in 1992, he said.Barlock, who sells real estate and his mother’s art while playing professional darts, joined the GOP only to make his vote count in the caucus process, given that Colorado did not hold .
To get to Cleveland, he said, “it was a battle all the way through.”
CLEVELAND, OH - JULY 20: Eric Trump delivers a speech on the third day of the Republican National Convention on July 20, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump received the number of votes needed to secure the party's nomination. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Republican National Convention kicked off on July 18. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Jim Watson, AFP/Getty ImagesDelegates cheer on the floor of the Republican National Convention at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio on July 20, 2016.
Jim Watson, AFP/Getty ImagesPastor Darrell Scott speaks on the third day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 20, 2016.
Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin introduces Republican Vice Presidential Nominee Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana during the third day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Wednesday, July 20, 2016. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
John Locher, The Associated PressGeorgia delegates Ginger Howard and Massachusetts delegate Ginny Greiman dance before the start of the third day session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Wednesday, July 20, 2016.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich speaks during the third day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Wednesday, July 20, 2016. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Joe Raedle, Getty ImagesDelegates dance before the start of the third day of the Republican National Convention on July 20, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
Paul Sancya, Associated Press fileRepublican Vice Presidential Nominee Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana speaks during the Republican National Convention on July 20, 2016.
Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump, center applauds with Donald Trump, Jr., left, and Ivanka Trump as his son Eric Trump addresses the delegates during the third day session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Wednesday, July 20, 2016. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Jim Watson, AFP/Getty ImagesA delegate cheers as he hoists a sign on day three of the Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio on July 20, 2016.
Dominick Reuter, AFP/Getty ImagesGeorge Engelbach, a delegate from Missouri impersonating Abraham Lincoln, makes his way across the floor on the convention floor on day three of the Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio on July 20, 2016.
Eric Trump, son of Republican Presidential nominee Donald J. Trump, speaks during the third day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Wednesday, July 20, 2016. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Jim Watson, AFP/Getty ImagesUS Senetor Ted Cruz waves as he arrives on stage at the Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio on July 20, 2016. The cost of the convention for the Republican Party will run some $64 million. The number of visitors expected in Cleveland is 50,000, including 15,000 journalists and 2,472 delegates (there are also 2,302 alternate delegates.) / AFP PHOTO / Jim WATSONJIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images
US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump greets delegates on day three of the Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 20, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / Jim WATSONJIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images
John Locher, The Associated PressCalifornia delegate Jake Byrd reacts as New York delegate Bob Hayssen holds up a Trump flag during the second day session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Tuesday, July 19, 2016.
Carolyn Kaster, The Associated PressNew Jersey Gov. Chris Christie speaks during the second day session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Tuesday, July 19, 2016.
John Moore, Getty ImagesCalifornia delegate Joy Neugebauer holds a sign in support of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
J. Scott Applewhite, The Associated PressTiffany Trump, daughter of Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump, speaks during the second day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Tuesday, July 19, 2016.
Carol Kaster, The Associated PressCalifornia delegates react during the second day session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Tuesday, July 19, 2016.
Robyn Beck, Getty ImagesSpeaker Paul Ryan waves to the audience on the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
Chip Somodevilla, Getty ImagesDelegates hold signs that read "Trump Digs Coal" on the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
Robyn Beck, Getty ImagesA delegate reacts during the roll call of states on the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
Jim Watson, AFP/Getty ImgesDonald Trump, Jr., son of Donald Trump, speaks on the second day of the Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland on July 19, 2016.
Jeff Swensen, Getty ImagesSen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) gives two thumbs up after delivering a speech on the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
John Moore, Getty ImagesReince Priebus, chairman of the Republican National Committee, bangs the gavel officially ending the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
Dominick Reuter, AFP/Getty ImagesA CODEPINK demonstrator struggles with convention attendees after unveiling a protest poster on the second day of the Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland on July 19, 2016.
Matt Rourke, The Associated PressEric Laykin from Los Angeles yells during the second day session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Tuesday, July 19, 2016.
Alex Wong, Getty ImagesFormer Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson delivers a speech on the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
Win McNamee, Getty ImagesDelegates take part in the roll call on the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump received the number of votes needed to secure the party's nomination. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Republican National Convention kicked off on July 18.
Jeff Swensen, Getty ImagesFormer US Senator Rick Santorum speaks with Republican Vice Presidential candidate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence on the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
Timothy A. Clary, AFP/Getty ImagesSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell steps off stage after addressing the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
Chip Somodevilla, Getty ImagesPresumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump introduces his wife Melania on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
Alex Wong, Getty ImagesDelegates pose for an official convention photograph on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Republican National Convention kicks off on July 18.
Carolyn Kaster, Associated PressKansas delegate Beverly Gossage cheers as Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., speaks during first day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Monday, July 18, 2016.
Paul Sancya, The Associated PressFormer Republican presidential candidate Sen. Bob Dole and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich chat before the evening session on the opening day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Monday, July 18, 2016.
Win McNamee, Getty ImagesPresumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump introduces his wife Melania on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Republican National Convention kicks off on July 18.
Matt Rourke, Associated PressJeff Barke from Orange County, Calif., walks around the convention floor during first day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Monday, July 18, 2016.
Alex Wong, Getty ImagesRepublican candidate for U.S. Senate Darryl Glenn delivers a speech on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
Joe Raedle, Getty ImagesMilwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke salutes the crowd prior to delivering a speech on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Republican National Convention kicks off on July 18.
Timothy A. Clary, AFP/Getty ImagesFlorida delegate Dana Dougherty holds a Donald Trump doll on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. The Republican Party opened its national convention Monday, kicking off a four-day political jamboree that will anoint billionaire Donald Trump as the Republican presidential nominee.
John Moore, Getty ImagesFormer Texas Governor Rick Perry delivers a speech on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Republican National Convention kicks off on July 18.
Chip Somodevilla, Getty ImagesAndrew Christie, right, takes a photo of a delegate and his father, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie while attending the first day of the Republican National Convention along with his son Andrew Christie, right, on July 18, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Republican National Convention kicks off on July 18.
Spencer Platt, Getty ImagesDonald Trump supporters attend a rally in downtown Cleveland in the first day of the Republican National Convention (RNC) on July 18, 2016, in Cleveland. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in downtown Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The convention runs through July 21.
Jeff J Mitchell, Getty ImagesJournalists talk with a man openly carrying a gun in downtown on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 in Cleveland.
J. Scott Applewhite, The Associated PressFormer New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani speaks during the opening day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Monday, July 18, 2016.
Justin Sullivan, Getty ImagesCODEPINK founder Medea Benjamin along with members of the activist group Code Pink demonstrate near the site of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 in Cleveland. Protestors are staging demonstrations outside of the Republican National Convention which starts on Monday, July 18 and runs through July 21.
Chip Somodevilla, Getty ImagesA delegate becomes emotional while listening to the speech of Pat Smith, mother of Sean Smith, one of the four Americans killed in the Sept. 11, 2012 terror attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
Justin Sullivan, Getty ImagesProtesters march during a "Dump Trump" demonstration near the site of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016, in Cleveland. Protestors are staging demonstrations outside of the Republican National Convention which starts on Monday July 18 and runs through July 21.
J. Scott Applewhite, The Associated PressActor Scott Baio gives two thumbs up after addressing the delegates during the opening day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Monday, July 18, 2016.
Jim Watson, AFP/Getty ImagesAnti-Donald Trump protesters climb over a barricade as they march through closed streets in Cleveland, near the Quicken Loans Arena site of the Republican National Convention July 18, 2016.
Spencer Platt, Getty ImagesPolice stand around a group of conservative protesters on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016, in Cleveland. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in downtown Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The convention runs through July 21.
Dominick Reuter, AFP/Getty ImagesA Code Pink protester is surrounded by media, security and a Bikers for Trump member trying to block her view during the evening session of the Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans arena in Cleveland on July 18, 2016. The Republican Party opened its national convention Monday, kicking off a four-day political jamboree that will anoint billionaire Donald Trump as the Republican presidential nominee.
John Moore, Getty ImagesVice presidential running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence claps while listening to a speech on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
John Minchillo, Associated PressMembers of the group Bikers for Trump watch during a rally for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at Settlers Landing Park on Monday, July 18, 2016, in Cleveland. The Republican National Convention that starts on Monday.
John Locher, Associated PressPeople cheer as delegates gather on the floor during first day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Monday, July 18, 2016.
Mark J. Terrill, Associated PressReince Priebus, Chair of the Republican National Committee, speaks at the podium on opening day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Monday, July 18, 2016.
John Locher, Associated PressWorkers prepare the stage before the opening session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Monday, July 18, 2016.
Carolyn Kaster, Associated PressSharon Day, co-chairwoman of the Republican National Committee, speaks during first day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Monday, July 18, 2016.
John Moore, Getty ImagesTom Pauken, Republican Delegate of Texas, takes off his hat before the start of the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds, AFP/Getty ImagesA woman gives a high-five to a police officer outside the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 in Cleveland.
Matt Rourke, Associated PressWest Virginia State Trooper Sgt. Dave Williams guards outside Quicken Loans Arena during first day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Monday, July 18, 2016.
Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images)Karen Vaughn, whose son Aaron Vaughn, a Navy SEAL, was killed in a Chinook helicopter crash in Afghanistan, delivers a speech on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
Robyn Beck, AFP/Getty ImagesMarlana VanHoose performs the Star-Spangled Banner before the eveneing session of the opening day of the Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans arena in Cleveland, Ohio on July 18, 2016.
Joe Raedle, Getty ImagesTelevision personality and CEO of Duck Commander, Willie Robertson speaks on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
Jeff J Mitchell, Getty ImagesProtesters gather during demonstration near the site of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 in Cleveland.
Jeff J Mitchell, Getty ImagesProtesters gather during demonstration near the site of the Republican National Convention (RNC) on July 18, 2016 in Cleveland.
Jim Watson, AFP/Getty ImagesProfessional Golfer Natalie Gulbis speaks during the second day of the Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland on July 19, 2016.
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CLEVELAND, OH - JULY 20: Eric Trump delivers a speech on the third day of the Republican National Convention on July 20, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump received the number of votes needed to secure the party's nomination. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Republican National Convention kicked off on July 18. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
ExpandHe attended the 1st Congressional District convention, only by Cruz backers who captured the three delegate slots. Barlock said he finished near 20th on the list of delegate candidates.
But he tried again at the state GOP convention and appeared as an official Trump campaign delegate pick. He finished second among Trump supporters, behind only Patrick Davis, the candidate’s Colorado campaign director, and won an alternate slot.
“I was just real honest with people,” he said. Becoming a delegate “is the only way my vote is going to count to get Trump elected.”