Tax Day, Colorado-style–at least for some taxpayers–involved gathering outside the State Capitol today for a few hours of solidarity, speaking against what event organizers and attendees say is a government run afoul of the nation’s founding principles.

The crowd reached just under 2,000, as estimated by a member of the Colorado State Patrol.  An additional 6,000 people were following the event via live streaming on the Internet.  The rally was organized by Brian T. Campbell, and the group, “Hear Us Now.”

Numerous speakers gave the crowd plenty of opportunities to cheer and to express disapproval, with calls to action, and listing grievances such as higher taxes and expanded governmental roles.

Broomfield Sen. Shawn Mitchell, a Republican, spoke of the upcoming November election and called upon the crowd to vote their conscience rather than by political party.

“This is not about a party,” said Mitchell.  “I don’t want my rights kicked by a donkey but I don’t want my rights trampled by an elephant, either.”

For Mitchell, the rally was all about personal responsibility, personal freedom, and limited government values that he says aren’t always reflected in state policies, and he strongly encouraged the crowd to rise up against what he characterized as a socialist approach in Colorado.

“When it comes to turning Colorado into a social welfare state, we’re not the party of no–we’re the party of hell no,” said Mitchell.

Amanda Teresi, president of “Liberty on the Rocks“, a national social-networking organization, used her time at the podium to exhort the crowd to remain civicly engaged. Her speech was peppered with frequent and thunderous applause.

“It is important that we do our best to remain aware of what is going on here at the Capitol and what is going on in Washington,” said Teresi.  “Within the document that freed our country from tyranny lies an important message that we must often consider. It is the declaration that we are the defenders of our Constitution and of our liberty and that if we wish to retain our freedom, it is up to us to do so.”

Besides Mitchell, a number of other state legislators were on hand to weigh in on the rally although some Democratic lawmakers declined comment for this story.

Democratic Rep. Wes McKinley, of Walsh, said he firmly supports the folks attending the rally and respects their right to be there.

“I think it’s great that people can assemble and express their views,” said Mckinley, adding that, in his estimation,  “The message is not that bad.”

Sen. Scott Renfroe, R-Greeley, expressed his strong support  for the prevalent theme at the rally—that of lower taxes, less government, and activism.

“This is a great day to take back our country,” said Renfroe. “ People are fed up with what’s happening with our state. They’re increasing fees and taxes everywhere, and (the citizens) have had enough.  It’s time for us to band together and go back to what our founding fathers stood for.”

Among those who attended the rally, most said they came to participate, but some were there just to see firsthand what’s been dubbed the “tea party” movement.  Shelby from Denver and Michael from Boulder were among those who came to take it all in, but also came with a sign stating their support for the recently enacted federal health care legislation, a position at odds with the tenets of the movement.

Rep. B.J. Nikkel, a Republican from Loveland, said she understands the sentiments permeating the crowd and summed up in words what many in the crowd expressed with handmade signs.

“I can sympathize that these people are at their wits’ end, upset over the state and federal government overtaxing them with a burden that they are unable to bear, especially during these difficult economic times,” said Nikkel.