During the week of Oct. 20, the world of politics came to the University of Denver in a big way. Candidates of all kinds, ranging from state to federal officials who are up for re-election this year, all right here on campus. From debates and candidate forums to town hall meetings, DU had it all.

On Oct. 11, the Center on American Politics at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies, The Colorado Sun and CBS News Colorado hosted a debate between candidates for the Colorado State Treasurer and the Colorado State Secretary of State. The debate from candidates Lang Sias, a Republican, and incumbent Democrat Dave Young went well for both sides with few hiccups and worries. Both discussed various issues regarding funding including the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) and financing for education and transportation. 

However, the Secretary of State debates greatly overshadowed the latter. The debate was held between incumbent Democrat Secretary Jena Griswold and Republican Pam Anderson, who currently serves as the Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder. 

During the debate, moderators mainly led the questions, including some by DU undergraduate students. The moderators for this debate were Sandra Fish, Special to the Colorado Sun, Seth Masket, Director of the Center on American Politics and a professor of Political Science here at DU, and Shaun Boyd, political specialist for CBS News Colorado. 

The debate covered a variety of topics, from the political party bias of the Secretary of State’s office during an election, a headline case of 30,000 letters being sent by the Office of Secretary of State, election security and actions taken over the improper handling of an election by former Mesa County Clerk and Recorder Tina Peters, serving Grand Junction in western Colorado. 

One of the most notable questions was asked by DU undergraduate student Naomi Allen.

“Whoever wins this election is going to be the Secretary of State during the 2024 Presidential Election. What would you do if Donald Trump is the President [of the United States] and calls you and asks you to change the election results?” Allen asked the candidates during the debate.

Both Jena Griswold and Pam Anderson gave stern remarks that they would not accept such a proposal and do what is necessary to protect election results in Colorado.

Some outbursts of applause and comments were shown by the audience during the debate and quickly addressed by the moderators.

Both debates can be seen in full here.

On Oct. 12, more candidates arrived on DU’s campus for the 2022 Candidate Forum hosted by the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, featuring candidates for the Colorado State Attorney General, U.S. Senate and Governor seats. 

Questions were asked by Ed Sealover, reporter for the Denver Business Journal. The forum considered topics from actions taken during previous terms, future goals and objectives, and issues such as education, finance, small businesses and more. Only two were absent in-person; John Kellner, the current District Attorney for the 18th Judicial District of Colorado and a Republican, taking on incumbent Democrat Phil Weiser for State Attorney General, who joined via Zoom due to a cold. Sen. Michael Bennet, a Democrat challenged by Republican Joe O’Dea, was not in attendance due to attending a dedication ceremony of Camp Hale as a national monument, where he was joined by President Joe Biden, Sen. John Hickenlooper and Rep. Joe Neguse (CO-2). 

Members of the Colorado Technology Association, Associated General Contractors of Colorado, Fidelity Investments, PhRMA, the Colorado Contractors Association, the City of Centennial and others were in attendance.

Pictures of the event can be found here.

On Oct. 13, a town hall meeting hosted by DU Law Democrats featuring Sen. Bennet and former Alabama Senator Doug Jones was held at the Sturm College of Law. Bennet spoke of what still needs to be done not only in Colorado, but all of the United States, also discussing matters with Jones concerning education and election security. People in attendance were also allowed to participate and ask the senators questions. 

In another tumultuous time of elections, DU had the stage to all of the events. As debates between candidates continue through Election Day, the lasting impact of the candidates will inspire DU students in elections and politics not only here in Colorado, but across the country.