Republican Politics, Colorado Style

State Rep. Debbie Stafford just became a Democrat.

Tipping point?
Rep. Stafford,

Was there a tipping point or issue that ultimately caused you to decide to switch parties?
by: Kerri Rebresh @ Tue Oct 16, 2007 at 11:07:35 AM CDT
[ Reply ]

thanks Kerri
Yes, a series of issues. I voted to support the concerns of citizens in my district in the homebuilder construction defect bill. I was lobbied heavily to vote no on the bill but chose to honor the citizens of my district. It escalated as I confronted the heavy handed lobbying tactics. It culminated with anger that I voted yes on the bill against one of the major funders of the GOP.

In June, 8 democrats and myself had a frivolous campaign finance complaint filed against us. Mine was $208 thank you ad in the newspaper. The complaint was filed by the homebuilders and a republican attorney that now represents the house minority.

I was told that they wanted to make it look bipartisan and that's why they harrassed me. The Republicans then hired another GOP attorney to defend me against the complaint. I was later told that it was an action by my own party's leadership to bring the complaint against me. I was then told my atorney, if I poke my finger in the eye of our major donors I will have a problem.

I made up my mind that I was no longer an accepted member of the Republican party. I don't mind if somebody is mad at me but get over it.

It reminds me of the book "Battered into Submission" and I don't respond to battering.