Recall Supporters Gather Signatures Outside Of Church Celebration

EL PASO - It's a move that's sure to be controversial. People who support the recall of Mayor John Cook and City Representatives Susie Byrd and Steve Ortega gathered signatures today outside of a church celebration.

The recall supporters set-up right outside of St. Anthony's Seminary to gather signatures for the recall petition. They want the Mayor and two City Representatives kicked out of office for restoring health benefits to gay and domestic partners of city workers after voters took them away. Local Pastor and church leader Tom Brown is spearheading the recall.

The District Attorney's Office launched an investigation into the effort. The DA says state law prohibits churches from getting involved in a recall election.

One recall supporter told us he's just exercising his right to free speech.

"Everything that's being done right here is just in accordance with the teaching of the church and also the common good. It's nothing new. It's just individual people setting up and standing up, and that's it," Jorge Armendariz said.

Attorneys for Pastor Tom Brown, who was not seen today at the church bazaar, have argued that the DA's investigation is politically motivated. They also say the recall effort is not an issue about gay rights, but rather the will of the voters.

Inside Saint Anthony's Bazaar there was no political activism, just church members having a good time.

People enjoyed all the fun and good Mexican food the church offered, and what made it even better was Sunday's cooler temperatures.

"Everybody's having a good time because the weather is very calm. There's a lot of sun and everybody's enjoying all the activities, fun and games that are out here," Oscar Velasquez said.

The church festival has been going on since Saturday, and it will end Monday at 11pm.