Trump Supporters Protest Colorado's Voting Process At State Capitol
DENVER (CBS4) - Colorado's not a big target on the primary map, but with the possibility of the Republican nomination being contested at the national convention the fight over just a handful of delegates could make or break a campaign.
The state GOP decided not to select a presidential nominee in the state caucus, differing to allow local conventions to decide. Conservative protesters crashed a rally supporting the party decision on Friday.
"How come your people were predestined at the convention," a man asked a party official.
Ted Cruz won in part because of a well-organized ground operation, walking away with all 34 of the state delegates even though support for him is far from unanimous.
Hundreds of trump supporters say they'll leave the GOP if the rules aren't changed.
"Unbind the delegates and hold a straw poll so that we can bind the results to the will of the people of Colorado," a protester said.
Republican Party supporters call the protests sour grapes, blaming Donald Trump's supporters for not learning the rules.
"I don't think the system was not transparent or was unfair. I think that it's something that allows for the expression of Republicans who get involved in the process," a party official said.
The state GOP said they would prefer to go to a full primary vote, but that would require a vote from the state Legislature and there's no timeline for that to happen at this point.
Trump's strategist said they decided against competing in Colorado because the process favored party insiders. They may regret that decision come July if they don't have enough committed delegates to carry the nomination outright.