Monday night's campaign appearance by Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders of Vermont packed the Cross Insurance Arena.
Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont speaks to the crowd of thousands Monday night at the Cross Insurance Arena. He praised last month's Supreme Court ruling effectively legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide.
Bernie Sanders told the crowd at the Cross Insurance Arena that he would hold Wall Street more accountable, fight for guaranteed family leave and vacation time, push for universal health care, and invest more money in schools and less in prisons.
Sanders' appearance in Portland followed large rallies recently in Wisconsin, New Hampshire and other states.
The crowd at the Cross Insurance Arena on Monday was largely young but included Mainers of all ages.
The staff at the Cross Insurance Arena estimated Monday night's crowd at at least 7,000 to 8,000. The event originally was planned at Portland's Ocean Gateway as more of a town hall-style forum than a rally.
Sanders told the crowd in Portland that he would introduce legislation to make public colleges and universities tuition-free. Derek Davis/Staff Photographer
Bernie Sanders' campaign appearance in Portland on Monday evening filled the Cross Insurance Arena, which holds close to 9,000 people. Derek Davis/Staff Photographer
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders greets supporters after speaking to a crowd of thousands at the Cross Insurance Arena.
Politics 
