AP News, October 12th, 2007
A state representative abruptly left the Republican Party and became a Democrat, the first time in 20 years that a Colorado lawmaker has switched parties.
Rep. Debbie Stafford, 55, who also is a minister, said the Republican Party no longer represents her values.
"Ideally, I find myself a moderate and I think I would be best suited for a third party. However, the reality is that our political system is not designed for a third party voice to be strong," Stafford said Thursday.
She added: "I am not leaving the Republican Party as much as I believe the Republican Party left me," she said.
Democrats had a 39-26 majority in the state House before the switch. After her announcement, Democratic leaders gave Stafford a jersey with her name and the number "40."
The last time a legislator switched parties was in 1987. Republicans were blindsided by the announcement, and House Minority Leader Mike May refused to take questions. He issued a statement wishing Stafford the best in her final year of service in the House.
State Republican Party chairman Dick Wadhams said Stafford was on the way out the door and that the change would not have a major effect.
"This is not exactly a profile in courage, since she is term-limited and cannot run for re-election in that House district," Wadhams said.
Stafford ran on issues including affordable housing, health care, education, juvenile justice reform, transportation, protecting small businesses and the economy. She won re-election to her fourth two-year term last year with 60 percent support, and she said the party switch won't change her votes.
