Tampa protestors hold town hall meeting with cardboard cut-out of Marco Rubio

Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio greets supporters after winning a second term in office, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016 in Miami. Rubio defeated U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy, a two-term congressman. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee) less Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio greets supporters after winning a second term in office, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016 in Miami. Rubio defeated U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy, a two-term congressman. (AP Photo/Wilfredo ... more Photo: Wilfredo Lee, Associated Press Photo: Wilfredo Lee, Associated Press Image 1 of / 12 Caption Close Tampa protestors hold town hall meeting with cardboard cut-out of Marco Rubio 1 / 12 Back to Gallery

Tampa event organizers didn't expect Senator Marco Rubio to attend Wednesday's constituent town hall, so they came prepared — with a life-sized cutout of him.

The Tampa Bay Times reports that more than 500 constituents gathered at the town hall to share their concerns with Rubio. The event was organized by citizens, not by Rubio himself, who "rarely makes his way to Tampa." In lieu of the senator, protestors brought the cardboard cutout, posters and 'Where's Waldo'-themed Marco Rubio signs.

"Why won't Rubio come to town, or at least address us?," event organizer Melissa Gallagher told the Tampa Bay Times. "It's really disconcerting, especially since he ran a presidential campaign and promised Floridians to protect us and look out for our best interests."

Gallagher said she visited Rubio's office three weeks ago to inquire about any upcoming town halls with the senator and was told none were scheduled. She decided to organize her own with hopes Rubio might attend. Attendees expressed concerns about repealing the Affordable Care Act, the travel ban and President Donald Trump's connections to Russia.

A spokesperson for Rubio told the Times "dozens of these liberal activists" had met with his staff, and that Rubio's staff remained "fully accessible and responsive" to all citizens. The spokesman also told Orlando Weekly that Rubio would not attend the event because "the organizers are deceiving people by falsely advertising this event, which is not connected to us in any way."

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Orlando Weekly reports that Rubio has yet to host a town hall in Tampa, Miami or Orlando.

"I have to think that Rubio is listening to us and will be responsive," Gallagher told the Times. "I would like to keep my faith in him."

Rubio, who has been in Europe this week, returned to Miami Thursday to an activist demanding to know why he won't hold a town hall.