Martin O'Malley meets with Aurora, Columbine, Newtown families.

Democratic presidential candidate meets in closed session prior to GOP debate.

'Democratic presidential candidate Martin O'Malley met with families of victims from the Newtown, Columbine and Aurora theater shootings Wednesday afternoon at the University of Colorado Boulder.

O'Malley spoke in private at the university's campus center to about a dozen family members, including Sandy and Lonnie Phillips who have been outspoken about their support of tougher gun laws.

O'Malley commended their efforts to "transform loss into something (important)," saying he was the candidate to help them.

Sandy Phillips clapped in support as O'Malley spoke.

O'Malley is making several appearances throughout the afternoon ahead of the Republican presidential debate at the university.'

http://www.denverpost.com/election/ci_29036966/omalley-meets-aurora-columbine-newtown-families