Lt. Governor's Race Campaign Ads Heat Up

Some new campaign ads have taken the Lieutenant Governors race to a new level. They're quick to call each other names - but there's one name you won't hear either one mention. <br/><br/>News

Tuesday, October 31st 2006, 9:54 am

By: News On 6

Some new campaign ads have taken the Lieutenant Governors race to a new level. They're quick to call each other names - but there's one name you won't hear either one mention.

News on 6 Reporter Emory Bryan has this â€œTruth Test.â€

Todd Hiett ad: "As member of the state parole board, liberal lawyer Jari Askins gave them the right to leave early." It's a new round of attack ads from an increasingly hostile race. Todd Hiett ad: "Jari Askins voted to make it easier for illegal aliens to establish residency, get a license, and even use your tax dollars to subsidize their college tuition."

The claims in these ads are disputed by Askins - but it was the broader charge - that she is a liberal - which prompted this ad in response. Jari Askins ad: "Todd Hiett just can't tell the truth. Hiett makes the ridiculous claim that Jari Askins is a liberal, soft on illegal immigration and crime."

In the ads - both claim to be conservative and neither says the words Democrat or Republican. Hiett says there's a reason for that. â€œOklahomans are very independent in the way they vote. They don't vote by party as much as other states do, the vote by the individual, they look at the candidate and vote for the person, not the party.â€

But Jari Askins says all the ads - and all the claims - make it confusing for voters. "And it makes it more difficult to determine who the ad is for and who it is about. That's why it's so important to be out and meet people individually."

As Askins and Hiett come down to the final week of their campaigns, both are trying to shake as many hands as they can - but for most voters - the impression of the candidates will come from their campaign ads.