Lt. Governor Candidates Sound Alike In Town-Hall Forum

EDMOND, Okla. (AP) -- The two candidates for lieutenant governor sounded more alike than different during a town-hall forum at the University of Central Oklahoma.<br/><br/>Democrat Jari Askins and Republican

Thursday, October 26th 2006, 6:28 am

By: News On 6

EDMOND, Okla. (AP) -- The two candidates for lieutenant governor sounded more alike than different during a town-hall forum at the University of Central Oklahoma.

Democrat Jari Askins and Republican Todd Hiett both stressed their support last night for improving education, attracting new jobs and strengthening Oklahoma's economy.

But the two candidates disagreed on the state lottery in Oklahoma, with Hiett saying it's wrong, and Askins noting that while it brings in additional revenue for schools lottery proceeds should only be used for one-time expenditures.

The forum hosted by Oklahoma City station KFOR-TV and allowed the audience to ask questions of each candidate.

Although gay marriage isn't on the ballot in Oklahoma, it drew the most lively response.

Askins says her religion believes marriage is between a man and a woman. But she added that her religion also teachers her to be tolerant of all people.

Hiett says he's a strong supporter of defining marriage as only between one man and one woman.

Oklahomans passed the gay marriage ban in 2004.