2 Democratic Senators Ousted over Gun Laws in Colorado Recall

An epic national debate over gun rights in Colorado on Tuesday saw two Democratic state senators ousted for their support for stricter laws, a "ready, aim, fired" message intended to stop other politicians for pushing for firearms restrictions. Senate President John Morse and Sen. Angela Giron will be replaced in office with Republican candidates who petitioned onto the recall ballot.

Party insiders always said Giron's race was the harder one. Although her district is heavily Democratic, Pueblo is a blue-collar union town. Morse's district included Manitou Springs and a portion of Colorado Springs — and more liberals.

"It has been an honor to represent the 11th Senate District," Morse said in his concession

Giron conceded about 10:45 p.m., telling supporters "this will make us stronger."

She said she had no regrets about the votes she had taken that led to her recall. "I'm a fighter," she said. "We will win in the end, because we are on the right side."

The turn of events made Morse and Giron the first Colorado state lawmakers to be recalled. Former Colorado Springs councilman Bernie Herpin will take Morse's seat in the Senate, while Pueblo will be represented by former Deputy Police Chief George Rivera.