Colorado Recall: NRA, Voters Win By Ousting Gun Control Advocates

Impact

While most of America waited with bated breath for Anthony Weiner and Sydney Leathers to disappear, something magical was happening in Colorado: the historic recall of two Democratic state senators. State Senate President John Morse and Sen. Angela Giron were ousted from their posts for voting on legislature that would increase gun control in the state.

During the last legislative session, the Democrat-controlled legislature in Colorado passed a gun control measure that led 10 counties to discuss secession to form Northern Colorado. They hoped the 51st state would enable them to avert the influence of major cities like Denver that they feel have too much influence over the rest of the state. The effort to remove Morse and Giron resulted from the will of the people using the recall as it was designed to be used. This gesture could be a pivotal moment in defense of the Second Amendment across the nation.

Morse and Giron are the first two state lawmakers in Colorado's history to be recalled. Morse lost his recall 51% to 49%, and Giron lost her recall 56% to 44%. The effort to keep the two vocal proponents off the gun control measure received $3 million including $350,000 from New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who spear-headed Mayors Against Illegal Guns the anti-Second Amendment group that infamously put Boston Marathon terrorist Tamerlan Tsarnaev on its list of those killed by gun violence. President Obama's Organizing For Action (OFA) showed up to help Giron run her campaign. Obama carried both districts with roughly 60% of the vote. According to the Daily Kos, Democrats ran 2,346 of the 2,490 television ads. When you're out-manned, out-financed, outgunned, and still win, the will and strength of the people become clear. Those upset with their Second Amendment rights being infringed upon took to the streets to sign recall petitions and cast ballots. They won.

The damage done to progressives in Colorado may not be over. Democratic Governor John Hickenlooper is now in a heated race against Tom Tancredo, former U.S. representative and 2008 Republican presidential nominee. Colorado may have been pushed toward the right by the unpopular gun control measure, which could be the defeat that inspires Second Amendment advocates to fight back at the ballot box. Nationally, gun rights advocates secured a victory in Congress this year, but states have been seeking to limit the Constitutional right within their own borders.