It's down to the wire in the race for Governor

The unexpectedly close race for Oklahoma Governor. All three candidates are out trying to pick up votes on the eve of the election. <br><br>News on Six reporter Emory Bryan says itâ€™s all but over â€“

Monday, November 4th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

The unexpectedly close race for Oklahoma Governor. All three candidates are out trying to pick up votes on the eve of the election.

News on Six reporter Emory Bryan says itâ€™s all but over â€“ Tuesday we'll choose a new governor. The polls indicate the race is very close - so close every vote is critical.

The gap is wide enough - that even the independent could win. It may be coincidence that after months on the campaign trail - the candidates have learned to sit where they stand - Democrat Henry on the left - Independent Richardson in the middle - and Republican Largent on the right. The candidates all want voters to know - it's a close race. Brad Henry: "Today we're in a statistical dead heat."

Each candidate says they expect to win - but with a slim margin - and that's why they hope to clarify their differences. Largent: "Let me say very clearly that the problem we have in Oklahoma today is not that we are taxed too little. The problem is the way we are taxed."

Richardson: "Every state that has gotten rid of the kind of tax system we have has a higher per capita income than the state of Oklahoma. We must make these changes folks we must."

Brad Henry: "I don't think we fix it by eliminating it with one tax and replace with a tax on goods and services like my opponents have called for." Largent and Richardson agree on the principles of limited government that Henry opposes.

Richardson and Henry support - and Largent opposes - a state lottery for education. Largent: "It is a funding gimmick, it is not education reform." Henry: "And I believe the people need the right to vote on an education lottery, the people of Oklahoma are ready for it."

Richardson says the differences between the two parties - should be indication that someone in the middle should be governor. Richardson: "And then when it comes to leadership, look how far apart Brad and Steve are on the issues, that's how it goes in the legislature, they're at war, and that's why they can't get our business done and get it taken care of."

The Henry and Largent campaigns are doing almost continuous polling - and over the last week - the gap between them has closed.

Largent has always been leading - until now - and a lead now is the only one that counts. Henry is leading the polls now - slightly.

Richardson is the wildcard.