OKLAHOMA CITY — Democratic Lt. Gov. Jari Askins became the first candidate to officially announce for governor in 2010, pledging to fight for children's issues and to put the state's interests above partisanship.

Askins launched her campaign in her hometown of Duncan, before traveling to Oklahoma City and Tulsa for news conferences.

She said her early announcement will give her a head start on fundraising and dispel "rumors going around that I would run for some other office like Congress."

Others considering the race include Democratic Attorney General Drew Edmondson and state Treasurer Scott Meacham and Republican U.S. Reps. Mary Fallin and Tom Cole.

Edmondson has begun fundraising efforts for a gubernatorial bid, but has not officially announced his candidacy.

"I think Jari Askins is a strong candidate, and I am sure we will be on the same side after the primary race. I also predict this will not the last candidate who will enter the race," Edmondson said.

Askins said she feels she is uniquely qualified to be governor because of her experience in all three branches of government — judicial, executive and legislative.

In stressing the need for bipartisanship to move the state forward, she said she would follow the examples set by the current Democratic governor, Brad Henry, and former Govs. George Nigh, David Boren and Henry Bellmon.

Among her goals is forming a children's cabinet and passing a constitutional amendment to set aside one year of each two-year legislative session to focus exclusively on the state budget.

She said the idea of a budget session was proposed by Nigh's reform commission in 1984, but had been ignored because many legislators and lobbyists resist change.

She said "too many tax dollars are wasted because too little attention is paid to the details of the state budget, while too many children go to bed hungry and without health care."

The 55-year-old sent out a fundraising letter last month, disclosing her intention to try and succeed Henry, who is at the midway point of his second term and cannot seek re-election.

Askins said she will work to improve schools, produce more college graduates, expand health care for children and reduce poverty.

She is a former special judge, House Democratic leader and Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board chairwoman.

Askins was the first woman to be chosen to lead either party in the state House of Representatives.

In 2006, Askins beat former House Speaker Todd Hiett in the general election to become lieutenant governor.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.