Face the State

Face The State Staff Report

While supporters of Ron Paul's long-shot presidential bid had hinted in the weeks leading up to Colorado GOP state convention that things might turn ugly at the Saturday event, they maintained a calm but enthusiastic presence there in a sea of dozens of yellow campaign t-shirts, buttons, and signs.

Paul, a Republican Congessman from Texas and former presidential candidate for the Libertarian Party, remains the lone challenger to the party's front-runner, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. Paul has maintained his candidacy despite the fact that he has received only single digit support in the states, including Colorado, where he appeared on a primary or caucus ballot earlier this year.

Angered by the fact that they were denied an opportunity to speak in support of Paul at the convention, backers - many of them sporting tattoos, long hair, and piercings - spoke passionately about their commitment to Paul's "REVOLtion" at the Broomfield Events Center.

Mark Gary, a Republican delegate from Douglas County, said he supports Paul because the man has inspired him. As a cancer patient who has found relief in alternative medicine, Gary is thankful that Paul supported the Access to Medical Treatment Act, which expands the ability of Americans to use alternative medicine and new treatments. “He would also be best for Colorado,” said Gary. “I continue to support him.”

During a "Super Tuesday" February visit to Denver, Paul garnered a larger crowd than Mitt Romney, who spoke to Saturday's convention crowd in support of McCain. While McCain backers sat quietly behind their designated table or adorned themselves with subtle buttons or stickers, many of Paul's backers spoke passionately to anyone willing to listen.

One man carrying a prominent Ron Paul sign was shouting repeatedly, “McCain is a liberal.” He was overheard telling delegates that by September, Paul will have made a strong comeback.