Debbie Stafford: Difference between revisions

Debbie Stafford
Debbie Stafford
Member of the Colorado House of Representatives; from the 40th district
	In office; October 26, 2000 – January 7, 2009
Preceded by	Gary McPherson
Succeeded by	Cindy Acree
Personal details
Born	April 5, 1953 (age 71); Rapid City, South Dakota
Political party	Republican (before 2007); Democratic (2007–present)
Spouse	Bob Edison
Profession	Minister, Domestic Violence Counselor, Auctioneer

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Debbie Stafford (born April 5, 1953^[4]) is a Colorado legislator. First appointed to the Colorado House of Representatives as a Republican in 2000, Stafford was elected four times to represent House District 40, which encompasses Elbert County and rural Arapahoe County east of Aurora, Colorado.^[5] Noted for her work on animal welfare and children's issues, Stafford left the Republican caucus and joined the Democratic Party in October 2007.

Early career

Born in Rapid City, South Dakota^[4] of Lakota Sioux descent,^[6] Stafford graduated from the Pikes Peak Institute of Medical Technology in 1972 and worked as a medical and optometric assistant in Colorado Springs before attending Nazarene Bible College from 1973 to 1974.^[7] An ordained minister,^[8] she served as associate pastor of Calvary Temple and Heritage Christian Center from 1986 to 1989^[7] before becoming a domestic violence counselor in the 1990s.^[4] In 1997, Heritage Christian Center founded Project Heritage, a community nonprofit serving the needy; Stafford has served as the chair of Project Heritage's Board of Directors.^[9] She also earned an associate of arts degree from Aspen College in 1992.^[4]

In 2001^[7] Stafford became a trained auctioneer,^[8] and she has employed her auctioneering skills during nonprofit fundraisers during her time as a legislator.^[10]^[11] Stafford has three children—Matthew, Melissa, and Rebekah;^[4] she was widowed during her first legislative campaign in 2000^[7] and has since remarried^[12] to retired Defense Intelligence Agency employee Bob Edison.^[11]

Legislative career

Stafford first ran for the Colorado State House as a Republican in 2000.^[4] Shortly before the November 2000 election, retiring Rep. Gary McPherson died in an airplane crash, and Gov. Bill Owens appointed Stafford to the remainder of McPherson's legislative term.^[3] She was sworn in as a state representative on October 26, 2000, and was elected to a full term in the legislature just a week later.^[1] Stafford was re-elected in 2002, 2004, and 2006, always by a considerable margin in the solidly Republican district.^[5]

In the legislature, Stafford's priorities have included legislation on animal issues, including strengthening animal cruelty laws^[13]^[14] and opposing local bans on particular dog breeds.^[15]^[16] She has also been an advocate for children's issues,^[8] working to expand benefits in Colorado's foster care system^[17]^[18] and serving as a legislative advisor to the Center for Missing and Exploited Children,^[15] and for affordable housing, as a member of Board of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka and as chair the Colorado legislature's Affordable Housing Task Force.^[19]

Although Stafford holds traditionally conservative views on issues such as abortion, stem cell research, and school vouchers, Stafford has also crossed the aisle to support measures to end Colorado's death penalty and prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.^[20] In 2007, she also faced opposition from many in the Republican Party for supporting a contentious bill to expand the ability of homeowners to sue over construction defects.^[8]

In October 2007, Stafford announced that she would switch party affiliation from Republican to Democrat, citing poor treatment from Republican leaders,^[20] and noting, "I am not leaving the Republican Party as much as the Republican Party left me." She was welcomed by the Democratic legislative majority as the 40th member of the House Democratic Caucus. In switching parties, she became the first Colorado legislator to do so since 1987.^[8] When she switched political parties, ( in the middle of her term ), she described herself as being treated like " a battered women " in the Republican party. This drew sharp criticism from both Democrats and Republicans with some of her constituents questioning her mental health.

In the 2007 legislative session, Stafford served as a member of the House Health and Human Services Committee and the House Judiciary Committee.^[21] Although she briefly explored a run for the Colorado State Senate, Stafford has indicated that she will retire from the legislature after the 2008 session. Her stated priorities for her final session in the legislature include regulations prohibiting disposal of dead animals in landfills. Stafford has also introduced legislation to regulate the funeral industry, including new requirements that funeral directors be licensed;^[22] she sponsored a similar measure in 2006 that was vetoed by Gov. Bill Owens.^[23]

Having joined the majority party, Stafford was named vice-chair of the House Judiciary Committee in the 2008 legislative session, in addition to keeping her seat on the House Health and Human Services Committee.^[24]

In the 2008 legislative session, Stafford planned to sponsor legislation to regulate hunting in Colorado, requiring that hunters must allow hunted animals opportunity for a "fair chase."^[25] The measure was opposed by some wildlife ranchers.^[26] Facing opposition from hunters and ranchers, Stafford asked for the bill to be killed in committee.^[27] Stafford also introduced legislation to restrict the ability of toll road companies to claim land within proposed road corridors,^[28] legislation killed in a house committee for its possible effects on railroads.^[29]

Stafford also sits on the Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council, a position she will hold through July 2010.^[30]

References

^ ^a ^b "House Journal - January 10, 2001" (PDF). Colorado General Assembly. Retrieved 2007-11-10.
^ "House Journal - January 7, 2009" (PDF). Colorado General Assembly. Retrieved 2009-01-09.
^ ^a ^b "Owens Appoints Debbie Stafford to fill Vacancy Left by the Death of Rep. Gary McPherson" (Press release). Office of the Governor. October 26, 2000. Archived from the original on 2004-12-26. Retrieved 2007-11-10.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f "Representative Stafford". Project Vote Smart. Retrieved 2007-11-10.
^ ^a ^b "State House District 40". COMaps. Archived from the original on 2018-12-15. Retrieved 2007-11-10.
^ Capriccioso, Rob (6 June 2008). "State apology could spur federal action". Indian Country Today. Archived from the original on 2008-06-09. Retrieved 2008-06-14.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d "Debbie Stafford - Colorado - State House District 40 candidate". RockyMountainNews.com. Retrieved 2007-11-10.^{[permanent dead link‍]}
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e Brown, Jennifer (12 October 2007). "GOP's Stafford switches parties". Denver Post. Retrieved 2007-11-10.
^ Groski, Eric (25 October 2006). "The gospel of prosperity". Denver Post. Retrieved 2007-11-10.
^ Paricio, Pam (25 September 2006). "Git motivated! Ron Heagy joins SPIN Round-up". YourHub.com. Archived from the original on 25 March 2007. Retrieved 10 November 2007.
^ ^a ^b Suicide Prevention Intervention Network (September 14, 2007). "5th Annual Prevention Round-up". YourHub.com. Retrieved 2007-11-10.^{[permanent dead link‍]}
^ "2007 Legislative Directory". Colorado General Assembly. Retrieved 2007-11-10.
^ Sealover, Ed (March 26, 2007). "Bills about animals often get fur flying in the Legislature". Colorado Springs Gazette. Retrieved 2007-11-10.
^ Bartels, Lynn (February 21, 2007). "Measure seeks to toughen state's animal cruelty law". Rocky Mountain News. Archived from the original on July 29, 2007. Retrieved 2007-11-10.
^ ^a ^b "Legislative Record". Re-Elect Debbie Stafford. Archived from the original on 2011-07-08. Retrieved 2007-11-10.
^ Allen, Laura (April 15, 2007). "Denver's Holocaust: Call For An End To The Pit Bull Ban". Animal Law Coalition. Archived from the original on July 15, 2007. Retrieved November 10, 2007.
^ "Gov. Ritter Signs Four Health-Care Bills" (Press release). Office of Gov. Bill Ritter, Jr. May 15, 2007. Archived from the original on December 13, 2012. Retrieved 2007-11-10.
^ Brian, Newsome; Dennis Huspeni (November 4, 2007). "Private lives, public impact". Colorado Springs Gazette. Archived from the original on November 6, 2007. Retrieved November 10, 2007.
^ "Biography". Re-Elect Debbie Stafford. Retrieved 2007-11-10.^{[permanent dead link‍]}
^ ^a ^b Brown, Jennifer (October 21, 2007). "Parting shots and wounded pride". Denver Post. Retrieved 2007-11-10.
^ "House Committees of Reference". Colorado General Assembly. Retrieved 2007-12-11.
^ Davidson, Michael; Ed Sealover (1 February 2008). "Assembly glance". Colorado Springs Gazette. Archived from the original on 2011-05-24. Retrieved 2008-02-04.
^ Sealover, Ed (26 November 2007). "Springs' case cited in call to license funeral homes". Colorado Springs Gazette. Retrieved 2007-12-03.
^ "House Speaker Announces New Committee Assignments for 2008 Legislative Session". Colorado House Democrats. Archived from the original on 2010-05-11. Retrieved 2008-01-20.
^ DeGette, Cara (10 January 2008). "Let the games begin". Colorado Springs Independent. Archived from the original on January 20, 2013. Retrieved 2008-01-20.
^ Paulson, Stephen K. (20 January 2008). "Rep. Debbie Stafford seeks to ban 'canned hunts'". Denver Post. Archived from the original on 2008-01-15. Retrieved 2008-01-23.
^ Sealover, Ed; Michael Davidson (7 February 2008). "Assembly Glance: February 6, 2008". Colorado Springs Gazette. Archived from the original on 24 January 2013. Retrieved 2008-02-08.
^ Sealover, Ed (24 February 2008). "Toll road bills debated this week". Colorado Springs Gazette. Archived from the original on 28 February 2008. Retrieved 2008-03-01.
^ Sealover, Ed (7 April 2008). "This week in the Legislature". Colorado Springs Gazette. Archived from the original on 11 April 2008. Retrieved 2008-04-10.
^ "Gov. Ritter Names 12 Coloradoans to Developmental Disabilities Council" (Press release). Office of Gov. Bill Ritter, Jr. October 17, 2007. Retrieved 2007-11-10.^{[permanent dead link‍]}

External links

Debbie Stafford profile, Colorado General Assembly
Rep. Debbie Stafford campaign website Archived 2004-08-26 at the Wayback Machine

[2001journal-1] "House Journal - January 10, 2001" (PDF). Colorado General Assembly. Retrieved 2007-11-10.

[house09-2] "House Journal - January 7, 2009" (PDF). Colorado General Assembly. Retrieved 2009-01-09.

[owens-3] "Owens Appoints Debbie Stafford to fill Vacancy Left by the Death of Rep. Gary McPherson" (Press release). Office of the Governor. October 26, 2000. Archived from the original on 2004-12-26. Retrieved 2007-11-10.

[votesmart-4] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f "Representative Stafford". Project Vote Smart. Retrieved 2007-11-10.

[map-5] "State House District 40". COMaps. Archived from the original on 2018-12-15. Retrieved 2007-11-10.

[apology-6] Capriccioso, Rob (6 June 2008). "State apology could spur federal action". Indian Country Today. Archived from the original on 2008-06-09. Retrieved 2008-06-14.

[profile-7] "Debbie Stafford - Colorado - State House District 40 candidate". RockyMountainNews.com. Retrieved 2007-11-10.^{[permanent dead link‍]}

[switches-8] Brown, Jennifer (12 October 2007). "GOP's Stafford switches parties". Denver Post. Retrieved 2007-11-10.

[prosperity-9] Groski, Eric (25 October 2006). "The gospel of prosperity". Denver Post. Retrieved 2007-11-10.

[spin-10] Paricio, Pam (25 September 2006). "Git motivated! Ron Heagy joins SPIN Round-up". YourHub.com. Archived from the original on 25 March 2007. Retrieved 10 November 2007.

[spin2-11] Suicide Prevention Intervention Network (September 14, 2007). "5th Annual Prevention Round-up". YourHub.com. Retrieved 2007-11-10.^{[permanent dead link‍]}

[pink2007-12] "2007 Legislative Directory". Colorado General Assembly. Retrieved 2007-11-10.

[fur-13] Sealover, Ed (March 26, 2007). "Bills about animals often get fur flying in the Legislature". Colorado Springs Gazette. Retrieved 2007-11-10.

[cruelty-14] Bartels, Lynn (February 21, 2007). "Measure seeks to toughen state's animal cruelty law". Rocky Mountain News. Archived from the original on July 29, 2007. Retrieved 2007-11-10.

[leg-15] "Legislative Record". Re-Elect Debbie Stafford. Archived from the original on 2011-07-08. Retrieved 2007-11-10.

[breedban-16] Allen, Laura (April 15, 2007). "Denver's Holocaust: Call For An End To The Pit Bull Ban". Animal Law Coalition. Archived from the original on July 15, 2007. Retrieved November 10, 2007.

[progressive-17] "Gov. Ritter Signs Four Health-Care Bills" (Press release). Office of Gov. Bill Ritter, Jr. May 15, 2007. Archived from the original on December 13, 2012. Retrieved 2007-11-10.

[private-18] Brian, Newsome; Dennis Huspeni (November 4, 2007). "Private lives, public impact". Colorado Springs Gazette. Archived from the original on November 6, 2007. Retrieved November 10, 2007.

[bio-19] "Biography". Re-Elect Debbie Stafford. Retrieved 2007-11-10.^{[permanent dead link‍]}

[parting-20] Brown, Jennifer (October 21, 2007). "Parting shots and wounded pride". Denver Post. Retrieved 2007-11-10.

[cmtes-21] "House Committees of Reference". Colorado General Assembly. Retrieved 2007-12-11.

[glance-22] Davidson, Michael; Ed Sealover (1 February 2008). "Assembly glance". Colorado Springs Gazette. Archived from the original on 2011-05-24. Retrieved 2008-02-04.

[license-23] Sealover, Ed (26 November 2007). "Springs' case cited in call to license funeral homes". Colorado Springs Gazette. Retrieved 2007-12-03.

[2008com-24] "House Speaker Announces New Committee Assignments for 2008 Legislative Session". Colorado House Democrats. Archived from the original on 2010-05-11. Retrieved 2008-01-20.

[armbears-25] DeGette, Cara (10 January 2008). "Let the games begin". Colorado Springs Independent. Archived from the original on January 20, 2013. Retrieved 2008-01-20.

[ranch-26] Paulson, Stephen K. (20 January 2008). "Rep. Debbie Stafford seeks to ban 'canned hunts'". Denver Post. Archived from the original on 2008-01-15. Retrieved 2008-01-23.

[glance2-27] Sealover, Ed; Michael Davidson (7 February 2008). "Assembly Glance: February 6, 2008". Colorado Springs Gazette. Archived from the original on 24 January 2013. Retrieved 2008-02-08.

[debated-28] Sealover, Ed (24 February 2008). "Toll road bills debated this week". Colorado Springs Gazette. Archived from the original on 28 February 2008. Retrieved 2008-03-01.

[tollrail-29] Sealover, Ed (7 April 2008). "This week in the Legislature". Colorado Springs Gazette. Archived from the original on 11 April 2008. Retrieved 2008-04-10.

[disable-30] "Gov. Ritter Names 12 Coloradoans to Developmental Disabilities Council" (Press release). Office of Gov. Bill Ritter, Jr. October 17, 2007. Retrieved 2007-11-10.^{[permanent dead link‍]}

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+{{short description|American politician}}
-{{Infobox State Representative
-| name=Debbie Stafford
-| image            =
-| width=144
-| state_house=Colorado
-| state=Colorado
-| district=40th
-| term_start=October 26, 2000<ref name="2001journal">{{cite web |url=http://www.leg.state.co.us/2001/inetc&j.nsf/(jouhse)/5A2F182D3F15A746872569D0004FB29B/$FILE/Jn10.pdf |title=House Journal - January 10, 2001 |accessdate=2007-11-10 |work=Colorado General Assembly |format=PDF}}</ref>
-| term_end=January 7, 2009<ref name="house09">{{cite web |url=http://www.leg.state.co.us/Clics/CLICS2009A/csljournals.nsf/(jouhse)/0475167CD03000CB8725752E0056A5B3/$FILE/Jn07.pdf |title=House Journal - January 7, 2009 |accessdate=2009-01-09 |format=pdf |work=Colorado General Assembly }}</ref>
-| preceded=[[Gary McPherson]]<ref name="owens">{{cite press release | title=Owens Appoints Debbie Stafford to fill Vacancy Left by the Death of Rep. Gary McPherson | publisher=Office of the Governor | date=October 26, 2000 | url=http://www.state.co.us/owenspress/10-26-00b.htm | accessdate=2007-11-10 }}</ref>
-| succeeded=[[Cindy Acree]]
-| birth_date={{birth date and age|1953|04|5}}
-| birth_place=[[Rapid City, South Dakota]]
-| death_date=
-| death_place=
-| spouse=Bob Edison
-| profession=Minister, Domestic Violence Counselor, Auctioneer
-| religion=[[Christianity|Christian]]
-| party=[[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
-|}}
+{{Infobox officeholder
-'''Debbie Stafford''' (born April 5, 1953<ref name="votesmart">{{cite web |url=http://votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=29797 |title=Representative Stafford |accessdate=2007-11-10 |work=Project Vote Smart}}</ref>) is a [[Colorado]] legislator. First appointed to the [[Colorado House of Representatives]] as a [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] in 2000, Stafford was elected four times to represent House District 40, which encompasses [[Elbert County, Colorado|Elbert County]] and rural [[Arapahoe County, Colorado|Arapahoe County]] east of [[Aurora, Colorado]].<ref name="map">{{cite web |url=http://comaps.org/district40h.html |title=State House District 40 |accessdate=2007-11-10 |work=COMaps }}</ref> Noted for her work on animal welfare and children's issues, Stafford left the Republican caucus and joined the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]] in October 2007.
+| name                = Debbie Stafford
+| image               =
+| width               = 144
+| state_house         = Colorado
+| state               = Colorado
+| district            = 40th
+| term_start          = October 26, 2000<ref name="2001journal">{{cite web |url=http://www.leg.state.co.us/2001/inetc&j.nsf/(jouhse)/5A2F182D3F15A746872569D0004FB29B/$FILE/Jn10.pdf |title=House Journal - January 10, 2001 |accessdate=2007-11-10 |work=Colorado General Assembly }}</ref>
+| term_end            = January 7, 2009<ref name="house09">{{cite web |url=http://www.leg.state.co.us/Clics/CLICS2009A/csljournals.nsf/(jouhse)/0475167CD03000CB8725752E0056A5B3/$FILE/Jn07.pdf |title=House Journal - January 7, 2009 |accessdate=2009-01-09 |work=Colorado General Assembly }}</ref>
+| preceded            = Gary McPherson<ref name="owens">{{cite press release | title=Owens Appoints Debbie Stafford to fill Vacancy Left by the Death of Rep. Gary McPherson | publisher=Office of the Governor | date=October 26, 2000 | url=http://www.state.co.us/owenspress/10-26-00b.htm | accessdate=2007-11-10 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041226175311/http://www.state.co.us/owenspress/10-26-00b.htm | archive-date=2004-12-26 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
+| succeeded           = [[Cindy Acree]]
+| birth_date          = {{birth date and age|1953|04|5}}
+| birth_place         = [[Rapid City, South Dakota]]
+| death_date          =
+| death_place         =
+| spouse              = Bob Edison
+| profession          = Minister, Domestic Violence Counselor, Auctioneer
+| party               = [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] (before 2007)<br>[[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] (2007–present)|
+}}
+'''Debbie Stafford''' (born April 5, 1953<ref name="votesmart">{{cite web |url=http://votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=29797 |title=Representative Stafford |accessdate=2007-11-10 |work=Project Vote Smart}}</ref>) is a [[Colorado]] legislator. First appointed to the [[Colorado House of Representatives]] as a [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] in 2000, Stafford was elected four times to represent House District 40, which encompasses [[Elbert County, Colorado|Elbert County]] and rural [[Arapahoe County, Colorado|Arapahoe County]] east of [[Aurora, Colorado]].<ref name="map"/> Noted for her work on animal welfare and children's issues, Stafford left the Republican caucus and joined the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]] in October 2007.
 ==Early career==
-Born in [[Rapid City, South Dakota]]<ref name="votesmart"/> of [[Lakota Sioux]] descent,<ref name="apology">{{cite news |first=Rob |last=Capriccioso |title=State apology could spur federal action |url=http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096417462 |work=Indian Country Today |date=6 June 2008 |accessdate=2008-06-14 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20080609221514/http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096417462 <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2008-06-09}}</ref> Stafford graduated from the Pikes Peak Institute of Medical Technology in 1972 and worked as a medical and optometric assistant in [[Colorado Springs, Colorado|Colorado Springs]] before attending [[Nazarene Bible College]] from 1973 to 1974.<ref name="profile">{{cite web |url=http://cfapp2.rockymountainnews.com/election/profiles/c_profiles.cfm?oper=cand_profile&id=12955&qa=1 |title=Debbie Stafford - Colorado - State House District 40 candidate |accessdate=2007-11-10 |work=RockyMountainNews.com }}</ref> An ordained minister,<ref name="switches">{{cite news |first=Jennifer |last=Brown |title=GOP's Stafford switches parties |url=http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_7153454
+Born in [[Rapid City, South Dakota]]<ref name="votesmart"/> of [[Lakota Sioux]] descent,<ref name="apology">{{cite news|first=Rob |last=Capriccioso |title=State apology could spur federal action |url=http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096417462 |work=Indian Country Today |date=6 June 2008 |accessdate=2008-06-14 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080609221514/http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096417462 |archivedate=2008-06-09 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Stafford graduated from the Pikes Peak Institute of Medical Technology in 1972 and worked as a medical and optometric assistant in [[Colorado Springs, Colorado|Colorado Springs]] before attending [[Nazarene Bible College]] from 1973 to 1974.<ref name="profile">{{cite web |url=http://cfapp2.rockymountainnews.com/election/profiles/c_profiles.cfm?oper=cand_profile&id=12955&qa=1 |title=Debbie Stafford - Colorado - State House District 40 candidate |accessdate=2007-11-10 |work=RockyMountainNews.com }}{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> An ordained minister,<ref name="switches">{{cite news |first=Jennifer |last=Brown |title=GOP's Stafford switches parties |url=http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_7153454
 |work=Denver Post |date=12 October 2007 |accessdate=2007-11-10 }}</ref> she served as associate pastor of Calvary Temple and Heritage Christian Center from 1986 to 1989<ref name="profile"/> before becoming a domestic violence counselor in the 1990s.<ref name="votesmart"/> In 1997, Heritage Christian Center founded Project Heritage, a community nonprofit serving the needy; Stafford has served as the chair of Project Heritage's Board of Directors.<ref name="prosperity">{{cite news |first=Eric |last=Groski |title=The gospel of prosperity |url=http://www.denverpost.com/specialreports/ci_4459571
 |work=Denver Post |date=25 October 2006 |accessdate=2007-11-10 }}</ref> She also earned an [[associate of arts]] degree from [[Aspen College]] in 1992.<ref name="votesmart"/>
-In 2001<ref name="profile"/> Stafford became a trained auctioneer,<ref name="switches"/> and she has employed her auctioneering skills during nonprofit fundraisers during her time as a legislator.<ref name="spin">{{cite news |first=Pam |last=Paricio |title=Git motivated! Ron Heagy joins SPIN Round-up |url=http://denver.yourhub.com/KenCaryl/Stories/Fundraising/Story~129484.aspx
+In 2001<ref name="profile"/> Stafford became a trained auctioneer,<ref name="switches"/> and she has employed her auctioneering skills during nonprofit fundraisers during her time as a legislator.<ref name="spin">{{cite news |first=Pam |last=Paricio |title=Git motivated! Ron Heagy joins SPIN Round-up |url=http://denver.yourhub.com/KenCaryl/Stories/Fundraising/Story~129484.aspx |work=YourHub.com |date=25 September 2006 |accessdate=2007-11-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070325124053/http://denver.yourhub.com/KenCaryl/Stories/Fundraising/Story~129484.aspx |archive-date=25 March 2007 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="spin2">{{cite news |author=Suicide Prevention Intervention Network |title=5th Annual Prevention Round-up |url=http://denver.yourhub.com/Columbine/Events/Fundraising/Event~362795.aspx |work=YourHub.com |date=September 14, 2007 |accessdate=2007-11-10 }}{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Stafford has three children—Matthew, Melissa, and Rebekah;<ref name="votesmart"/> she was widowed during her first legislative campaign in 2000<ref name="profile"/> and has since remarried<ref name="pink2007">{{cite web |url=http://www.leg.state.co.us/clics/clics2007a/directory.nsf/814de729d556c00207256634004d6750/69a08fa863f2dca987256f430079fa89?OpenDocument |title=2007 Legislative Directory |accessdate=2007-11-10 |work=Colorado General Assembly }}</ref> to retired [[Defense Intelligence Agency]] employee Bob Edison.<ref name="spin2"/>
-|work=YourHub.com |date=25 September 2006 |accessdate=2007-11-10 }}</ref><ref name="spin2">{{cite news |author=Suicide Prevention Intervention Network |title=5th Annual Prevention Round-up   |url=http://denver.yourhub.com/Columbine/Events/Fundraising/Event~362795.aspx
-|work=YourHub.com |date=September 14, 2007 |accessdate=2007-11-10 }}</ref> Stafford has three children—Matthew, Melissa, and Rebekah;<ref name="votesmart"/> she was widowed during her first legislative campaign in 2000<ref name="profile"/> and has since remarried<ref name="pink2007">{{cite web |url=http://www.leg.state.co.us/clics/clics2007a/directory.nsf/814de729d556c00207256634004d6750/69a08fa863f2dca987256f430079fa89?OpenDocument |title=2007 Legislative Directory |accessdate=2007-11-10 |work=Colorado General Assembly }}</ref> to retired [[Defense Intelligence Agency]] employee Bob Edison.<ref name="spin2"/>
 ==Legislative career==
-Stafford first ran for the Colorado State House as a Republican in 2000.<ref name="votesmart"/> Shortly before the November 2000 election, retiring Rep. [[Gary McPherson]] died in an airplane crash, and Gov. [[Bill Owens (Colorado politician)|Bill Owens]] appointed Stafford to the remainder of McPherson's legislative term.<ref name="owens"/> She was sworn in as a state representative on October 26, 2000, and was elected to a full term in the legislature just a week later.<ref name="2001journal" /> Stafford was re-elected in 2002, 2004, and 2006, always by a considerable margin in the solidly Republican district.<ref name="map">{{cite web |url=http://comaps.org/district40.html |title=State House District 40 |accessdate=2007-11-10 |work=COMaps }} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>
+Stafford first ran for the Colorado State House as a Republican in 2000.<ref name="votesmart"/> Shortly before the November 2000 election, retiring Rep. Gary McPherson died in an airplane crash, and Gov. [[Bill Owens (Colorado politician)|Bill Owens]] appointed Stafford to the remainder of McPherson's legislative term.<ref name="owens"/> She was sworn in as a state representative on October 26, 2000, and was elected to a full term in the legislature just a week later.<ref name="2001journal" /> Stafford was re-elected in 2002, 2004, and 2006, always by a considerable margin in the solidly Republican district.<ref name="map">{{cite web |url=http://comaps.org/district40.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215222403/http://comaps.org/district40.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2018-12-15 |title=State House District 40 |accessdate=2007-11-10 |work=COMaps }}</ref>
 In the legislature, Stafford's priorities have included legislation on animal issues, including strengthening animal cruelty laws<ref name="fur">{{cite news |first=Ed |last=Sealover |title=Bills about animals often get fur flying in the Legislature |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4191/is_20070326/ai_n18761701
 |work=Colorado Springs Gazette |date=March 26, 2007 |accessdate=2007-11-10 }}</ref><ref name="cruelty">{{cite news |first=Lynn |last=Bartels |title=Measure seeks to toughen state's animal cruelty law |url=http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/government/article/0,2777,DRMN_23906_5366361,00.html
+|archive-url=https://archive.today/20070729091241/http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/government/article/0,2777,DRMN_23906_5366361,00.html
-|work=Rocky Mountain News |date=February 21, 2007 |accessdate=2007-11-10 }} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> and opposing local bans on particular dog breeds.<ref name="leg">{{cite web |url=http://www.campaignsitebuilder.com/templates/displayfiles/tmpl26.asp?SiteID=479&PageID=5795&Trial=false |title=Legislative Record |accessdate=2007-11-10 |work=Re-Elect Debbie Stafford }}</ref><ref name="breedban">{{cite news |first=Laura |last=Allen |title=Denver's Holocaust: Call For An End To The Pit Bull Ban |url=http://network.bestfriends.org/animallawcoalition/news/14095.html
+|url-status=dead
-|work=Animal Law Coalition |date=April 15, 2007 |accessdate=2007-11-10 }}</ref> She has also been an advocate for children's issues,<ref name="switches" /> working to expand benefits in Colorado's foster care system<ref name="progressive">{{cite press release | title=Gov. Ritter Signs Four Health-Care Bills | publisher=Office of Gov. Bill Ritter, Jr. | date=May 15, 2007 | url=http://www.colorado.gov/governor/press/may07/health-care-bills.html | accessdate=2007-11-10 }}</ref><ref name="private">{{cite news |first=Newsome |last=Brian |author2=Dennis Huspeni |title=Private lives, public impact |url=http://www.gazette.com/articles/foster_29330___article.html/abuse_county.html
+|archive-date=July 29, 2007
-|work=Colorado Springs Gazette |date=November 4, 2007 |accessdate=2007-11-10 }}</ref> and serving as a legislative advisor to the [[Center for Missing and Exploited Children]],<ref name="leg" /> and for [[affordable housing]], as a member of Board of the [[Federal Home Loan Bank]] of Topeka and as chair the Colorado legislature's Affordable Housing Task Force.<ref name="bio">{{cite web |url=http://www.campaignsitebuilder.com/templates/displayfiles/tmpl26.asp?SiteID=479&PageID=5794&Trial=falseSiteID=479&PageID=5795&Trial=false |title=Biography |accessdate=2007-11-10 |work=Re-Elect Debbie Stafford }}</ref>
+|work=Rocky Mountain News |date=February 21, 2007 |accessdate=2007-11-10 }}</ref> and opposing local bans on particular dog breeds.<ref name="leg">{{cite web |url=http://www.campaignsitebuilder.com/templates/displayfiles/tmpl26.asp?SiteID=479&PageID=5795&Trial=false |title=Legislative Record |accessdate=2007-11-10 |work=Re-Elect Debbie Stafford |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708113006/http://www.campaignsitebuilder.com/templates/displayfiles/tmpl26.asp?SiteID=479&PageID=5795&Trial=false |archive-date=2011-07-08 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="breedban">{{cite news |first=Laura |last=Allen |title=Denver's Holocaust: Call For An End To The Pit Bull Ban |url=http://network.bestfriends.org/animallawcoalition/news/14095.html |work=Animal Law Coalition |date=April 15, 2007 |accessdate=2007-11-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070715034541/http://network.bestfriends.org/animallawcoalition/news/14095.html |archive-date=July 15, 2007 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> She has also been an advocate for children's issues,<ref name="switches" /> working to expand benefits in Colorado's foster care system<ref name="progressive">{{cite press release | title=Gov. Ritter Signs Four Health-Care Bills | publisher=Office of Gov. Bill Ritter, Jr. | date=May 15, 2007 | url=http://www.colorado.gov/governor/press/may07/health-care-bills.html | archive-url=https://archive.today/20121213043729/http://www.colorado.gov/governor/press/may07/health-care-bills.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=December 13, 2012 | accessdate=2007-11-10 }}</ref><ref name="private">{{cite news |first=Newsome |last=Brian |author2=Dennis Huspeni |title=Private lives, public impact |url=http://www.gazette.com/articles/foster_29330___article.html/abuse_county.html |work=Colorado Springs Gazette |date=November 4, 2007 |accessdate=2007-11-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071106083145/http://www.gazette.com/articles/foster_29330___article.html/abuse_county.html |archive-date=November 6, 2007 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> and serving as a legislative advisor to the [[Center for Missing and Exploited Children]],<ref name="leg" /> and for [[affordable housing]], as a member of Board of the [[Federal Home Loan Bank]] of Topeka and as chair the Colorado legislature's Affordable Housing Task Force.<ref name="bio">{{cite web |url=http://www.campaignsitebuilder.com/templates/displayfiles/tmpl26.asp?SiteID=479&PageID=5794&Trial=falseSiteID=479&PageID=5795&Trial=false |title=Biography |accessdate=2007-11-10 |work=Re-Elect Debbie Stafford }}{{Dead link|date=December 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
 Although Stafford holds traditionally conservative views on issues such as [[abortion debate|abortion]], [[stem cell controversy|stem cell research]], and [[school vouchers]], Stafford has also crossed the aisle to support measures to end Colorado's [[Capital punishment in the United States|death penalty]] and prohibit discrimination on the basis of [[sexual orientation]].<ref name="parting">{{cite news |first=Jennifer |last=Brown |title=Parting shots and wounded pride |url=http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_7237001
@@ Line 45: / Line 45: @@
 In October 2007, Stafford announced that she would switch party affiliation from Republican to Democrat, citing poor treatment from Republican leaders,<ref name="parting"/> and noting, "I am not leaving the Republican Party as much as the Republican Party left me." She was welcomed by the Democratic legislative majority as the 40th member of the House Democratic Caucus. In switching parties, she became the first Colorado legislator to do so since 1987.<ref name="switches"/>  When she switched political parties, ( in the middle of her term ), she described herself as being treated like " a battered women " in the Republican party. This drew sharp criticism from both Democrats and Republicans with some of her constituents questioning her mental health.
-In the 2007 legislative session, Stafford served as a member of the House Health and Human Services Committee and the House Judiciary Committee.<ref name="cmtes">{{cite web |url=http://www.leg.state.co.us/clics/clics2007a/directory.nsf/HouCommWp?OpenView |title=House Committees of Reference |accessdate=2007-12-11 |work=Colorado General Assembly}}</ref> Although she briefly explored a run for the [[Colorado State Senate]], Stafford has indicated that she will retire from the legislature after the 2008 session. Her stated priorities for her final session in the legislature include regulations prohibiting disposal of dead animals in [[landfill]]s. Stafford has also introduced legislation to regulate the funeral industry, including new requirements that funeral directors be licensed;<ref name="glance">{{cite news |first=Michael |last=Davidson |author2=Ed Sealover |title=Assembly glance |url=http://www.gazette.com/articles/bill_32621___article.html/house_state.html
+In the 2007 legislative session, Stafford served as a member of the House Health and Human Services Committee and the House Judiciary Committee.<ref name="cmtes">{{cite web |url=http://www.leg.state.co.us/clics/clics2007a/directory.nsf/HouCommWp?OpenView |title=House Committees of Reference |accessdate=2007-12-11 |work=Colorado General Assembly}}</ref> Although she briefly explored a run for the [[Colorado State Senate]], Stafford has indicated that she will retire from the legislature after the 2008 session. Her stated priorities for her final session in the legislature include regulations prohibiting disposal of dead animals in [[landfill]]s. Stafford has also introduced legislation to regulate the funeral industry, including new requirements that funeral directors be licensed;<ref name="glance">{{cite news
+ |first=Michael
+ |last=Davidson
+ |author2=Ed Sealover
+ |title=Assembly glance
+ |url=http://www.gazette.com/articles/bill_32621___article.html/house_state.html
+ |work=Colorado Springs Gazette
-|work=Colorado Springs Gazette |date=1 February 2008 |accessdate=2008-02-04 }}</ref> she sponsored a similar measure in 2006 that was vetoed by Gov. [[Bill Owens (Colorado politician)|Bill Owens]].<ref name="license">{{cite news |first=Ed |last=Sealover |title=Springs' case cited in call to license funeral homes |url=http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2007/nov/26/springs-case-cited-in-call-to-license-funeral/
+ |date=1 February 2008
+ |accessdate=2008-02-04
+ |url-status=dead
+ |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524010947/http://www.gazette.com/articles/bill_32621___article.html/house_state.html
+ |archivedate=2011-05-24
+}}</ref> she sponsored a similar measure in 2006 that was vetoed by Gov. [[Bill Owens (Colorado politician)|Bill Owens]].<ref name="license">{{cite news |first=Ed |last=Sealover |title=Springs' case cited in call to license funeral homes |url=http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2007/nov/26/springs-case-cited-in-call-to-license-funeral/
 |work=Colorado Springs Gazette |date=26 November 2007 |accessdate=2007-12-03 }}</ref>
-Having joined the majority party, Stafford was named vice-chair of the House Judiciary Committee in the 2008 legislative session, in addition to keeping her seat on the House Health and Human Services Committee.<ref name="2008com">{{cite web |url=http://cohousedems.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/01/house-speaker-a.html |title=House Speaker Announces New Committee Assignments for 2008 Legislative Session |accessdate=2008-01-20 |work=Colorado House Democrats }}</ref>
+Having joined the majority party, Stafford was named vice-chair of the House Judiciary Committee in the 2008 legislative session, in addition to keeping her seat on the House Health and Human Services Committee.<ref name="2008com">{{cite web|url=http://cohousedems.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/01/house-speaker-a.html |title=House Speaker Announces New Committee Assignments for 2008 Legislative Session |accessdate=2008-01-20 |work=Colorado House Democrats |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100511033739/http://cohousedems.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/01/house-speaker-a.html |archivedate=2010-05-11 }}</ref>
-In the 2008 legislative session, Stafford planned to sponsor legislation to regulate hunting in Colorado, requiring that hunters must allow hunted animals opportunity for a "fair chase."<ref name="armbears">{{cite news |first=Cara |last=DeGette |title=Let the games begin |url=http://www.csindy.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A22747
+In the 2008 legislative session, Stafford planned to sponsor legislation to regulate hunting in Colorado, requiring that hunters must allow hunted animals opportunity for a "[[fair chase]]."<ref name="armbears">{{cite news |first=Cara |last=DeGette |title=Let the games begin |url=http://www.csindy.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A22747 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130120061148/http://www.csindy.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid:22747 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 20, 2013 |work=Colorado Springs Independent |date=10 January 2008 |accessdate=2008-01-20 }}</ref> The measure was opposed by some wildlife ranchers.<ref name="ranch">{{cite news
+ |first=Stephen K.
-|work=Colorado Springs Independent |date=10 January 2008 |accessdate=2008-01-20 }}</ref> The measure was opposed by some wildlife ranchers.<ref name="ranch">{{cite news |first=Stephen K. |last=Paulson |title=Rep. Debbie Stafford seeks to ban 'canned hunts' |url=http://dailycamera.com/accounts/login/
+ |last=Paulson
-|work=Denver Post |date=20 January 2008 |accessdate=2008-01-23 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20080115084209/http://dailycamera.com/accounts/login/ <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2008-01-15}}</ref> Facing opposition from hunters and ranchers, Stafford asked for the bill to be killed in committee.<ref name="glance2">{{cite news |first=Ed |last=Sealover |author2=Michael Davidson |title=Assembly Glance: February 6, 2008 |url=http://www.gazette.com/articles/bill_32851___article.html/house_committee.html
+ |title=Rep. Debbie Stafford seeks to ban 'canned hunts'
-|work=Colorado Springs Gazette |date=7 February 2008 |accessdate=2008-02-08 }}</ref> Stafford also introduced legislation to restrict the ability of [[toll road]] companies to claim land within proposed road corridors,<ref name="debated">{{cite news |first=Ed |last=Sealover |title=Toll road bills debated this week |url=http://www.gazette.com/articles/road_33509___article.html/toll_bill.html
+ |url=http://dailycamera.com/accounts/login/
-|work=Colorado Springs Gazette |date=24 February 2008 |accessdate=2008-03-01 }}</ref> legislation killed in a house committee for its possible effects on railroads.<ref name="tollrail">{{cite news |first=Ed |last=Sealover |title=This week in the Legislature |url=http://www.gazette.com/articles/agenda_35021___article.html/legislature_week.html |work=Colorado Springs Gazette |date=7 April 2008 |accessdate=2008-04-10 }}</ref>
+ |work=Denver Post
+ |date=20 January 2008
+ |accessdate=2008-01-23
+ |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080115084209/http://dailycamera.com/accounts/login/
+ |archivedate=2008-01-15
+ |url-status=dead
+}}</ref> Facing opposition from hunters and ranchers, Stafford asked for the bill to be killed in committee.<ref name="glance2">{{cite news
+ |first=Ed
+ |last=Sealover
+ |author2=Michael Davidson
+ |title=Assembly Glance: February 6, 2008
+ |url=http://www.gazette.com/articles/bill_32851___article.html/house_committee.html
+ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130124053803/http://www.gazette.com/articles/bill_32851___article.html/house_committee.html
+ |url-status=dead
+ |archive-date=24 January 2013
+ |work=Colorado Springs Gazette
+ |date=7 February 2008
+ |accessdate=2008-02-08
+}}</ref> Stafford also introduced legislation to restrict the ability of [[toll road]] companies to claim land within proposed road corridors,<ref name="debated">{{cite news
+ |first=Ed
+ |last=Sealover
+ |title=Toll road bills debated this week
+ |url=http://www.gazette.com/articles/road_33509___article.html/toll_bill.html
+ |work=Colorado Springs Gazette
+ |date=24 February 2008
+ |accessdate=2008-03-01
+ |url-status=dead
+ |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080228132345/http://www.gazette.com/articles/road_33509___article.html/toll_bill.html
+ |archivedate=28 February 2008
+}}</ref> legislation killed in a house committee for its possible effects on railroads.<ref name="tollrail">{{cite news|first=Ed |last=Sealover |title=This week in the Legislature |url=http://www.gazette.com/articles/agenda_35021___article.html/legislature_week.html |work=Colorado Springs Gazette |date=7 April 2008 |accessdate=2008-04-10 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080411055612/http://www.gazette.com/articles/agenda_35021___article.html/legislature_week.html |archivedate=11 April 2008 }}</ref>
-Stafford also sits on the Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council, a position she will hold through July 2010.<ref name="disable">{{cite press release | title=Gov. Ritter Names 12 Coloradoans to Developmental Disabilities Council | publisher=Office of Gov. Bill Ritter, Jr. | date=October 17, 2007 | url=http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?c=Page&childpagename=GovRitter%2FGOVRLayout&cid=1192608258996&p=1192608258996&pagename=GOVRWrapper | accessdate=2007-11-10 }}</ref>
+Stafford also sits on the Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council, a position she will hold through July 2010.<ref name="disable">{{cite press release | title=Gov. Ritter Names 12 Coloradoans to Developmental Disabilities Council | publisher=Office of Gov. Bill Ritter, Jr. | date=October 17, 2007 | url=http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?c=Page&childpagename=GovRitter%2FGOVRLayout&cid=1192608258996&p=1192608258996&pagename=GOVRWrapper | accessdate=2007-11-10 }}{{Dead link|date=November 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
 ==References==
-{{reflist|2}}
+{{Reflist|2}}
 ==External links==
-*[http://www.state.co.us/gov_dir/leg_dir/house/members/hou40.htm Debbie Stafford profile, Colorado General Assembly]
+*[https://web.archive.org/web/20140819234703/http://www.state.co.us/gov_dir/leg_dir/house/members/hou40.htm Debbie Stafford profile, Colorado General Assembly]
-*[http://www.debbiestafford.com/ Rep. Debbie Stafford campaign website]
+*[http://www.debbiestafford.com/ Rep. Debbie Stafford campaign website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040826000516/http://www.debbiestafford.com/ |date=2004-08-26 }}
+{{Authority control}}
-{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. -->
-| NAME              =Stafford, Debbie
-| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
-| SHORT DESCRIPTION = American politician
-| DATE OF BIRTH     =1953-04-05
-| PLACE OF BIRTH    =[[Rapid City, South Dakota]]
-| DATE OF DEATH     =
-| PLACE OF DEATH    =
-}}
 {{DEFAULTSORT:Stafford, Debbie}}
 [[Category:1953 births]]
 [[Category:Living people]]
 [[Category:Members of the Colorado House of Representatives]]
-[[Category:People from Rapid City, South Dakota]]
+[[Category:Politicians from Rapid City, South Dakota]]
 [[Category:Women state legislators in Colorado]]
 [[Category:Nazarene Bible College]]
+[[Category:Colorado Republicans]]
+[[Category:Colorado Democrats]]

Authority control databases
International	VIAF WorldCat
National	United States