Carolyn Kaster/AP Photo

Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., listens to Georgette M. Haddad during a campaign town hall-style meeting at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts in Denver, Monday.

Republican presidential candidate John McCain held a rousing and sometimes raucous town hall meeting on Monday, fending off calls to impeach President Bush and getting passionate praise for opposing tax increases.

Georgette Haddad drew laughs when she applauded McCain for his tax stand and criticized Congress, shouting "Get off our backs."

McCain jokingly offered to take her on the campaign trail.

Joby Weeks, an alternate delegate to the Republican convention, told McCain he was disappointed that he refused to support impeachment for Bush. McCain said it isn't warranted.

Weeks, a Ron Paul supporter, said McCain ignored a petition listing 10 potential articles of impeachment for Bush.

"It's not about being a good Democrat or a good Republican, it's about being a good American, and sticking with the principles that made America great," Weeks said as McCain shook hands with audience members after the meeting.

In a speech to more than 300 people who attended the open public meeting, McCain acknowledged the steep drop in U.S. jobs and said he would help the economy by cutting taxes, encouraging free trade, building nuclear power plants and launching other initiatives.

"I have a plan to grow this economy, create more and better jobs, and get America moving again. I have a plan to reform government, achieve energy security and ensure that health care and a quality education are affordable and available for all. I believe the role of government is to unleash the creativity, ingenuity and hard work of the American people and make it easier to create jobs," McCain said.

Outside, one protester wore a pea pod costume and handed out fliers claiming McCain and Bush were like two peas in a pod on major issues.

Colorado is considered a possible swing state in this year's presidential election and has been previously visited by both McCain and Democratic candidate Barack Obama.

Mark Brennan of Centennial said McCain would be the first president in his lifetime to have the power and principle to get the job done.

"Jimmy Carter was principled, but not very effective as president," Brennan said.