Stafford first ran for the Colorado State House as a Republican in 2000. In the legislature, Stafford's priorities have included legislation on animal issues, including strengthening animal cruelty laws 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; she sponsored a similar measure in 2006 that was vetoed by Gov.
Bill Owens. 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." The measure was opposed by some wildlife ranchers. Facing opposition from hunters and ranchers, Stafford asked for the bill to be killed in committee. Stafford also introduced legislation to restrict the ability of
toll road companies to claim land within proposed road corridors, legislation killed in a house committee for its possible effects on railroads. Stafford also sits on the Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council, a position she will hold through July 2010. ==References==