Fallin, Askins Discuss Historic Election, Platforms

By Dan Bewley, The News On 6 

TULSA, OK -- Oklahoma is making history as two women are facing off for the governor's seat. It's only the third time that's ever happened in our country's history.

It's Jari: Lieutenant Governor Jari Askins, versus Mary: Congresswoman Mary Fallin. The two women won their respective primaries Tuesday for the right to become the state's next governor.

7/27/2010 Related Story: Edmondson Concedes; Askins, Fallin to Face Off for Governor

"I am so excited about the future of Tulsa," Fallin said.

Republican Mary Fallin spoke at a luncheon before the Tulsa Metro Area Chamber of Commerce Tuesday, while Democrat Jari Askins was shaking hands at the Super Trade Expo in Oklahoma City.

It's the first time in the state's history that two women are the top candidates for governor.

"It's kind of like the old saying, I guess we've come a long ways," Fallin said.

"I think this is an opportunity for girls all across the state of Oklahoma to be able to say that it doesn't really matter what your dream is, that if you work hard you will have an opportunity to achieve it," said Askins.

But both women say it's the platform that's more important. Congresswoman Fallin says her goal as governor is to bring jobs to Oklahoma and focus on, what she calls the state's core strengths, aerospace, energy, and agriculture.

"If I were governor I'd be exporting Oklahoma's goods and products to other states and, certainly, other countries," she said.

Lt. Governor Jari Askins agrees that energy and agriculture should be a focus. She also touts her experience as a political leader in Oklahoma and questions Congresswoman Fallin's connection to Washington.

"I'm very grateful that all of my service has been in the state of Oklahoma," Askins said. "People are very frustrated with what's going on in Washington, DC."

Congresswoman Fallin left for Washington late Tuesday afternoon, she plans to be in the state and campaign hard during the August recess.

Lt. Governor Jari Askins says she won't have any problems juggling her role as Lt. Governor while campaigning at the same time.

For more on Congresswoman Mary Fallin and Lt. Governor Jari Askins, check out our Election Guide.