Fight for governor comes to Springs as Hickenlooper, Beauprez debate on UCCS campus

The polls in the race for governor are currently neck and neck. Some show incumbent Democrat Gov. John Hickenlooper with a narrow lead others show Republican challenger Bob Beauprez in front.

The two contenders squared off in a debate on the UCCS campus Wednesday night.
An audience of more than 700 packed Gallogly Events Center to see the candidates go head-to-head.

Logan Beck, a junior at UCCS, is pumped to vote in this upcoming election.

“Everyone’s vote matters, Beck said. “I think everyone should vote, absolutely.”

Beck plans to vote for Beauprez and says no debate performance will change his mind.

“We’ve seen lately that John Hickenlooper’s leadership has been controversial,” Beck said. “A lot of decisions he’s made has been questionable to the Colorado public.

Kevin Kayser, a senior, is still undecided three weeks out.

“I’m waiting for things to play out a little bit,” Kayser said. “I’m sort of neutral on Hickenlooper, I don’t hate him, I don’t love him. I want to see how the other candidates contrast to him. I don’t always vote for the two main parties.”

Two more debates between the Democratic governor and the former congressman are scheduled for next week.