Face the State

Face The State Staff Report One day after GOP vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin stumped in Jefferson County to the elated cheers of 5,000, the Dems came to town with their presidential nominee Barack Obama. They were met, however, with a much smaller crowd.

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Obama's visit, coming on the heals of another in Grand Junction Monday, saw Democrat heavy hitters, including Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, Gov. Bill Ritter, and former Mayor Federico Peña warm up the crowd of 2,200 at the Colorado School of Mines. State Treasurer Cary Kennedy was also on hand to show her support.

After the last speaker, Peña, left the podium, spectators waited for more than 45 minutes until Obama finally took the stage at approximately 10:15.

Sen. Moe Keller and Rep. Gwyn Green, both Jefferson County Democrats, came to see Obama. Green, who sat directly in front of the podium, stood in jubilation several times to cheer and clap for Obama.

Participants were greeted by Mines students outside the gym who waved signs reading, "125 Days in the Senate is Not Experience," "Say No to Socialism," and "NObama 08: I like My money in My pocket!"