Two factions of demonstrators, some supporting U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, others favoring her challenger, Carly Fiorina, took up positions at the entrance of St. Mary's College in Moraga on Wednesday, scene of the first televised debate between the two candidates for Boxer's senate seat.

Moraga police, campus security and a private security firm hired by the college were on hand and kept watch over the demonstrators, who were loud but peaceful early on.

The group appeared to be critical of the college's decision not to open the debate to the public, as well as of Boxer, who they said is "bankrupting our nation."

Jersey Jenkins, who said he was from San Rafael, said he and several friends were upset that a Green Party candidate was not allowed to take part in the debate.

"It's un-American," she said.

But college spokesman Michael McAlpin said the debate's venue limited the college's ability to invite more than a few hundred selected guests and journalists.

The debate started at 7 p.m., with the public able to watch on KTVU-Channel 2 or listen in on KQED Public Radio. It will was to be streamed live on the Internet at KTVU.com.