Colorado Republicans turn out for McCain-Palin rally

Many prominent Colorado Republicans came out for Saturday's rally with GOP presidential ticket John McCain and Sarah Palin - some with jobs to do, others to watch the rally.

"We haven't had an event like this since the president came here in 2004," said Jeff Crank, a former 5th Congressional District Republican candidate who was in the grandstand behind McCain and Palin.

Crank's primary rival, retired Air Force Major General Bentley Rayburn, was in the crowd, as he was in charge of the cadre of ushers.

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Bob Schaffer had another tough job: help stall the crowd until McCain and Palin showed up.

Schaffer offered stories about various people he had met earlier that day and their thoughts on McCain and Palin. But as many in the crowd had waited hours to see the GOP presidential ticket, the crowd quickly got restless.

When Schaffer continued, "I'd like to share a couple more stories with you," he was quickly stopped by shouts of, "No!"

"You need to understand, they're on their way," Schaffer responded. "They're on their way. I was just asked a few minutes ago to -- how do I say this? -- tell you stories."

U.S. Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R-Fort Morgan) also spoke earlier.

Behind McCain and Palin, the VIP grandstand included many Republican state legislators and politicians, including Crank, Musgrave, state GOP Chair Dick Wadhams, and RNC delegate (and daughter of former Gov. Bill Owens) Monica Owens.

Converted Democrat Silver Salazar, a 20-year precinct leader in Pueblo and cousin of U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar (D-Denver) and U.S. Rep. John Salazar (D-Manassa), received a prominent seat right behind the main podium.

Even lame duck state Rep. Douglas Bruce (R-Colorado Springs) was seen as the crowd filed out following the rally; he was talking with a campaign worker for Republican state Sen. candidate Keith King.