DENVER – The Republican National Convention devolved into chaos Monday in Cleveland, in part fueled by a last-ditch anti-Donald Trump effort led by the Colorado delegation.
Many of Colorado’s delegates appeared to walk out in protest on what was the first day of the convention, after party leaders denied a recorded vote that sought to “dump Trump.”
There is some question, however, as to whether the missing delegates were rebelling.
Colorado delegates left empty seats on the convention floor, after party leaders refused to poll all 2,472 convention delegates. Some Colorado delegates say they were protesting the decision, others say they were simply catching an early dinner.
The effort – led by Colorado delegate Kendal Unruh – sought to establish rules that would free delegates to vote their “conscience.” Unbound delegates could force a contested convention, which – while unlikely – would potentially result in Trump losing.
A national convention committee last week wrote the rules that require pledged delegates to vote the way their state’s primaries and caucuses went.
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz swept the April state convention in Colorado, so delegates from the Centennial State were in a unique position to cause an uproar. The Colorado Republican Party did not take a preference poll at the March 1 caucus.
“They quashed the voice of the people,” Unruh, who founded “Free the Delegates,” said shortly after the protest on the floor, in remarks broadcast by C-SPAN. “The system is rigged in order to make sure that Donald Trump gets this nomination.”
“Never Trump” delegates submitted nine petitions in an effort to force a recorded vote of the rules, according to party leaders. But RNC officials said three states withdrew. It would have taken seven states to force the recorded vote.
Unruh, who teaches 11th grade at the small Jim Elliot Christian School in Englewood, is skeptical, alleging that 10 petitions were submitted.
“We need to have them prove that. ... ” Unruh said. “With the history of the Republican Party and the way that they treat the grass-roots, consider me suspect.”
“You will see more insurgency. ... You’re going to see our delegates challenging the roll call votes,” she continued.
Trump is expected to formally accept the nomination Thursday.
Patrick Davis, Trump’s Colorado director, did not return a request for comment left by The Durango Herald.
Meanwhile, Colorado Republican U.S. Senate candidate Darryl Glenn made his national appearance Monday evening at the convention, where he projected the same confidence and passion that thrust him into the race as a contender.
Glenn started with what has become a catch phrase, describing himself as an “unapologetic Christian, constitutional conservative, pro-life, Second Amendment-loving veteran.”
He quickly brought his race into the speech, something that helped him win Republican delegates in Colorado Springs at the April state convention. Glenn is the only black Republican nominated in a statewide race this year.
“Somebody with a nice tan needs to say this, ‘All lives matter,’” Glenn said to a cheering Cleveland audience.
The convention offered a chance for Glenn to woo national donors, who have been reluctant to weigh into the Colorado U.S. Senate race. Observers widely believe that incumbent Democrat Michael Bennet has a large advantage.
But aside from C-SPAN, Glenn’s speech received little national airtime.
Glenn shocked observers when he prevailed in a crowded five-man primary last month. He won with 38 percent of the vote.
The El Paso County commissioner also spoke to the theme, “Make America Safe Again.” National security is a recurring message for Glenn on the campaign trail, as he attacks Bennet for supporting the Iran nuclear deal.
“We must recognize that evil does exist in this world,” Glenn said. “The threat from radical Islamic terrorism is real.”
Rick Palacio, chairman of the Colorado Democratic Party, held a conference call with reporters ahead of Glenn’s scheduled speech, tying the GOP candidate to Trump and Cruz, while also pointing to his staunch anti-abortion record.
“The fact of the matter is that Darryl Glenn is a partisan obstructionist who is way too extreme for our state,” Palacio said. “I could go on and on about how Glenn would take Colorado backwards, but you will be able to see and hear for yourself tonight.”
pmarcus@durangoherald.com
