Members of Metro State's Political Science Club got to stand behind John Edwards as he spoke.

The March 1 visit to campus by former Democratic senator and current presidential candidate John Edwards attracted a packed house estimated at 700 to the Tivoli Turnhalle.

“The Edwards campaign chose Metro State specifically because of the quality of our students and their knowledge of candidates and issues,” said Andy Boian, adjunct professor of political science, who helped organize the event.

In what his campaign called the launch of a college tour to get young people involved, Sen. Edwards spoke at Metro State for close to a half hour.

President Stephen Jordan introduced Sen. Edwards to the standing-room-only crowd at the Turnhalle.

In his introduction of Edwards, Metro State President Stephen Jordan cited a parallel between the former senator’s background and that of many Metro State students: Edwards was the first in his family to go to college.

In the coming weeks, Edwards plans to visit the University of California campuses at Berkeley and Los Angeles, and also Howard University.

Edwards is part of a steady stream of candidates coming through Colorado. New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson was in Denver the week before Edwards. It’s very likely that Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton will come to Denver as well.

“Denver is attractive to candidates for a number of reasons,” Boian said. “It’s considered the gateway to the West for both parties, in terms of the upcoming presidential election, and hosting the Democratic convention attracts candidates as well. Candidates are drawn to Auraria at least in part because 18-25-year-old voters are seen as key to winning this election.”

The Edwards event was sponsored by Metro State’s Department of Political Science, the Political Science Student Association and Student Activities.