Colorado’s pro-gun advocates succeeded in removing Senate President John Morse from office yesterday in that state’s first-ever recall election. A second recall effort aimed at Senator Angela Giron was also successful.
Both races were described by many in the mainstream media as a national litmus test on gun rights versus new regulations. If that’s the case, it may also prove that all politics are, indeed, local. Despite being outspent by more than 7 to 1, pro-gun advocates turned out more voters than their opposition. But Colorado residents told reporters that when it came down to it, the millions spent by either side wouldn’t matter. This recall was designed to send a simple message to elected officials.”If I don’t listen to my boss and do what he wants,” one Colorado Springs voter told reporters, “I get fired. Why should our elected officials be any different?”
In California, however, the news for gun owners isn’t at all positive. Yesterday, the California Senate passed a bill banning new sales of semi-automatic rifles with removable magazine. The measure, which passed 44-31, also mandates those who own that type of rifle to register it with the state. Governor Brown is expected to sign the bill when it is finalized and sent to him.
Two other firearms measures remain on the calendar: one bans possession of any magazine holding more than 10 rounds, the second bars people with multiple drug, alcohol or gang related crime convictions from owning a firearm for ten years.
