Groups face off to protest, support Arizona State Senator Russell Pearce

MESA, AZ - People walking into the Mesa Public Library Saturday had an interesting greeting as two groups with interest in Arizona State Senator Russell Pearce met out front.

One group set up shop to collect signatures in an effort to recall the senator, the other making their support for the senator known.

Those trying to recall Pearce told us they're angry over cuts to health care and education.

"I just can't stand for us, you know, the backwards direction he's taking us in the harm he's causing to our jobs and our economic growth," Geoff Esposito said.

Those supporting him found out what was going on and got a group together as well.

"He's the best legislator in the state, and I was a little alarmed that someone was going to try to recall the best guy that's getting things done here," Tom Dodson said.

Recall organizers say they're trying to get nearly eight thousand signatures and don't have any replacement candidates at this point.