Republican candidates gathered for a debate in Colorado Springs Tuesday night. The large crowd shows there's a lot of interest in this year's election, according to Scott McInnis, one of two contenders for the Republican gubernatorial nomination.

Tuesday's forum was held at Mr. Biggs. More than a thousand spectators showed up to hear what the candidates had to say.

Among the candidates at the event, were GOP contenders for U.S. Senate, including Jane Norton, Ken Buck, Clive Tidwell, and Tom Wiens. Also present, the Republican candidates for State Treasurer, which include J.J. Ament, Ali Hasan and Walker Stapleton.

Scott McInnis is running against Evergreen businessman Dan Maes in the Republican primary for the Governor's office. He says events like these have been attracting a diverse crowd so far this campaign season. "We're seeing crowds like this across the state, we've spoken at a bunch of different forums, a bunch of different Republican Lincoln Days, and the crowds in general, are not just Republicans by the way, but Republicans, Democrats, and unaffiliated [voters]. There's a lot of interest in this year's election," says McInnis.

There's also a lot more campaigning ahead for voters to get to know the candidates. Colorado's Primary Election will be held August 10, 2010.