Romney ‘watch parties’ held across Colorado

An estimated 150 people gathered in Colorado Springs on Thursday night at America the Beautiful Park to see Mitt Romney accept the Republican nomination for president.

The crowd watched the event on a large screen set up around 6:30 p.m. Organizers provided free food during the three-hour event on a warm, clear evening.

Eli Bremer, chairman of El Paso County Republicans, said the state Romney campaign sponsored the so-called “watch party,” and he was pleased with the attendance given the short time available to promote the event.

Even with the county being predominantly Republican, Bremer said the event served as an opportunity for the party.

“We’re going to be working very hard to get all the Republicans out to vote, and then convince a lot of independents and maybe even Democrats to come and support Gov. Romney, as well,” said Bremer.

Kenneth Davis, a Republican voter, explained why he and his wife came to the event.

“I think getting out of the home and getting in public, shows support for him publicly — and that’s why we’re out of the home, not watching it on TV,” Davis said.

The applause for Romney before his acceptance speech was on a smaller scale, but no less enthusiastic, than his reception at the GOP national convention in Florida.

Thirty watch parties were held across Colorado on Thursday night.