DENVER — It is perhaps one of the most bizarre political events staged in Denver, a town hall with Sen. Cory Gardner with those in attendance knowing full well Gardner wasn’t going to show up.

In the end, more than 1,000 people — almost entirely Democrats — gathered at Byers Middle School to ask questions to a cardboard cutout of the senator.

Questions ranged from immigration to health care.

While the event reeked of political activism, energizing voters for future elections, it did leave one wondering, does this turn up the political pressure on Gardner to host a town hall?

During an interview earlier this week, Gardner seemed to suggest no in-person town halls were imminent.

“Throughout the week, I traveled across the Eastern Plains and the Front Range and had the opportunity to meet with and speak to hundreds of Coloradans and discuss issues ranging from the challenges facing the agriculture community to reforming our health care system,” Gardner said in a statement after the Byers Middle School event.

“I sincerely value the thoughtful and productive discussions I had this week, and I’m grateful when my constituents contact me to express their thoughts and concerns because their feedback allows me to do my job best and develop legislative solutions that benefit Coloradans.”