(Download above or read below) The State of Colorado was the setting for two of the most notorious mass-shootings in US history: the Columbine massacre and the Aurora shooting. State lawmakers, stating that they were frustrated by lack of gun control legislation at the federal level took matters into their own hands and pushed through a series of laws including a ban on magazines capable of holding more than 15 rounds of ammunition and universal background checks for private transfers on firearms within the state. The eyes of the nation were on Colorado yesterday as two state senators were recalled by the voters for their roles in passing these laws: Angela Giron (D-Pueblo) and John Morse (D-Colorado Springs). Colorado has long been considered a blue state, politically, but one in which many registered democrats have libertarian leanings. The newly passed firearms laws which took effect in July were contentious in a Western state that has long cherished firearms ownership as a tradition.  So much that there are 15 sheriffs associations, 340 individual sheriffs, one police chief and one deputy sheriff who stated they will not enforce any of these new gun laws. The recall elections attracted more than $3.5 million in campaign contributions from both sides of the aisle with the vast majority of those funds coming from out of state opponents of the recall effort who support stricter gun control. According to figures the Colorado Secretary of State’s office released on Monday, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg wrote a check for $350,000 in an effort to thwart the recall attempts. His partner in crime Eli Broad donated $250,000. Because of these out-of-state interests, Colorado firearms companies such as Magpul Industries left the Evergreen State, taking hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars in revenue with them. It was these same outside influences that forced the voters in Colorado to push to recall these two senators for not representing their electorate. Both politicians conceded defeat late last night. Allegations of voter fraud and voter suppression came from both sides as usual, but in the end, it was clear that the people had spoken. From a compliance standpoint, Colorado’s recall elections will not have much practical effect, if any, on existing law. Democrats still retain control of the State Senate and the Governor’s office. Despite the success of the recall effort, it does not repeal the laws that were passed. There are several ballot initiatives poised for November 2014 to repeal these laws and they may be successful. But this symbolic recall sends a powerful message across the country: Americans value the second amendment and their right to responsible gun ownership.