GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Republican Rep. Laura Bradford, of Collbran, said Tuesday she is considering running for Mesa County Commissioner in 2012, but she said she will not be resigning her House seat.

The second-term lawmaker said she is thinking about shifting gears for the 2012 election in order serve her constituents in a different capacity, allowing for more quality time at home on the Western Slope.

“It takes its toll being away from home for months at a time, and it is costly. Sometimes I barely break even on living expenses while I'm away,” said Bradford.

Serving her constituents will remain her biggest priority, she said, whether it's at the statehouse in Denver or as a commissioner in Mesa County — should she run for the position. She said she will carefully consider whether or not to seek another term for her House seat, which appears to be on track to remain relatively intact under the ongoing reapportionment process. Bradford said reapportionment is not a factor in her pending decision.

“I'm not feeling any pressure really. I'm just looking at the pros and cons, with a line drawn down the middle of a yellow legal pad looking at both sides of the page,” said Bradford. “I just want to be where I can be most effective, and that may end up being closer to home.”

Bradford said her decision will be made in early fall, probably September, allowing plenty of time for a future Republican candidate to announce before caucuses take place in March. Either way, Bradford says, she will remain very much a representative for her district.

“I'm not going to be stringing anybody along or leaving people guessing about my future plans,” said Bradford. “I will not however, be resigning my seat.”

http://www.coloradonewsagency.com/2011/07/27/mesas-rep-bradford-ponders-run-for-county-commission/