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Crowds Dwindle, But GOP Stays Course On Ammo Magazine Limits

DENVER (AP) — Colorado Republicans advanced one of their last efforts to repeal recent gun control laws Monday, approving a bill to undo a 15-round limit on ammunition magazines even though it faces certain death in the Democrat-controlled House.

Monday's Senate committee hearing ended hours earlier than expected, surprising even GOP supporters who were prepared to stay late into the night hearing stories from gun-rights activists who oppose the ammunition limits.

Lawmakers even set up locations for remote testimony by live video feed, only to see sparse turnout.

The House has already rejected a similar ammunition bill. Still, Republicans insisted the repeal effort isn't for show.

"We're not just trying to make a point. No, we believe in it," said Sen. John Cooke, a Republican who unsuccessfully sued to repeal the ammunition law while sheriff of Weld County.

Cooke's bill cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee 3-2.

"We're here to do away with an unenforceable, ineffective law," Cooke told his fellow senators.

RELATED: Gun Proponents Use CBS4 Investigation While Trying To Repeal Ammo Limits

The hearing drew familiar faces from the opposition, too.

"What is truly offensive is that some place more value on dangerous gun accessories than saving lives," said Jane Dougherty, a Colorado woman whose sister was killed in the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting.

Few stuck around to see the final vote, which went on party lines with no suspense.

Republicans insist they have enough Democratic supporters in the House to pass the repeal. But they concede the bill is unlikely to make it to the House floor for a vote.

"I think at some point the Democrats might recognize the cost politically they have paid," said another sponsor, Sen. Chris Holbert, R-Parker.

Holbert was referring to the recall of two Democratic senators and the resignation of a third after the 2013 gun measures became law. Democrats didn't indicate any change on the ammunition limit, though.

"I hope that it will meet its death, somewhere," said Democratic Sen. Lucia Guzman, D-Denver.

LINK: Senate Bill 175

- By Kristen Wyatt, AP Writer

(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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