Tulsa World
By BARBARA HOBEROCK World Capitol Bureau
Published: 10/20/2010 2:18 AM
Last Modified: 10/20/2010 4:18 AM
EDMOND - Lt. Gov. Jari Askins went into Tuesday's first gubernatorial debate swinging.
In a strongly worded and somewhat emotional opening statement, Askins, a Democrat, said U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin, a Republican, has distorted Askins' record and tried to tarnish her reputation.
She was referring to Republican Governors Association advertisements that say Askins is liberal and compare her to President Barack Obama, a Democrat.
Fallin's campaign did not pay for the commercials.
"Oklahoma Democrats are conservative," Askins said. "We are not extreme."
Askins said she is a pro-life, pro-gun, pro-education, pro-business and secure-the-borders Democrat.
Askins and Fallin met at the University of Central Oklahoma for the first of two gubernatorial debates. Both women wore cross necklaces.
The debate drew a full house in an auditorium that seats about 500 people.
Fallin used her opening statement to say she wants to create a better economy, improve education, right-size the government and stand up to Washington, D.C... FULL ARTICLE
Posted on
Wed, October 20, 2010
by Crystal Drwenski