Hundreds of protesters to march at GOP presidential debate at USF

TAMPA - Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney's camp says he plans on being in Ormond Beach, Florida on Sunday but he hasn't accepted or declined USF’s invitation for Monday's debate.

An NBC News spokesperson would only say that they fully intend to proceed with this long-planned event and they hope and expect all the qualifying candidates will participate. The event is hosted by the University of South Florida and sponsored by the National Journal, Tampa Bay Times, and NBC News.

Monday night's GOP presidential debate is planned to take place inside a small, USF theatre with limited seating. Outside, the University is also planning for protestors with barricades and 'no trespassing' signs.

"I've been organizing part of the protests and we're expecting hundreds of people from all over the state. Student groups from all over the state, Gainesville, Orlando, St. Pete are going to be here, union members, immigrants’ rights activists, women's rights activists," said Dustin Ponder.

Ponder, 23, is one of those protestors who plans to March. He's an organizer for ‘Coalition to March on the RNC’ which is a collection of community groups opposing what they call "attacks on the 99-percent by the Republican Party.”

Lieutenant Chris Daniel with USF police says free speech is welcome, but violence is not.

"All we ask is that anybody coming out here to be heard does not obstruct doorways, sidewalks, create a hazard, jeopardize University property in any way or anybody's safety," said Daniel.

Daniel says they are working to keep the event safe for students, and the public who are invited to a tent watch party near the Marshall Student Center. He also says they've asked for assistance from other law enforcement agencies.

Ponder says they intend to be peaceful but also want to be heard.

"I feel like the politics they're pushing aren't reflective of what I need-- good jobs, health care, affordable education and equality in society," he said.