McCain, Palin rally in Colorado

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COLORADO SPRINGS - Before an estimated crowd of 10,000 people, Senator John McCain and Governor Sarah Palin made their first appearance together in Colorado.

The two were joined by McCain's wife Cindy at the Colorado Jet Center in Colorado Springs Saturday afternoon.

While it's McCain's 8th visit to Colorado for the election season, it's his first appearance with Palin since the Republican Convention in one of the most competitive states for the election.

The McCain and Palin team is trying to capitalize on momentum from a convention that recorded the largest TV audience ever during the night of McCain's speech Thursday.

Colorado is seen as one of a dozen toss-up states for November, and the Republican candidates are expected to visit the state several times before election day.

"It's going to be a real tough battle here in Colorado but we will win," said Palin.

As the crowd began to cheer Palin's name, McCain started smiling and praised his running mate.

"I can't wait to introduce her to the big spenders in Washington D.C.," said McCain.

During his speech, McCain noticed a Palin supporter in the audience with a familiar one-liner from her convention speech.

"There's a great T-shirt down there says, 'Pitbulls for Palin,'" said McCain.

Palin talked more about McCain, emphasizing the issues.

"He understands what to do about job losses, and high energy prices and mortgage failures," said Palin.

While Barack Obama hopes to gain 40 percent of the vote in El Paso County, McCain is looking to rally a conservative base in the area known for supporting Republican candidates.

In 2004, President Bush earned twice as many votes as Sen. John Kerry in El Paso County.