Today is the day voters will decide the direction of our state and nation for the next few years. There is much at stake, and we hope you have studied the issues and fill out your ballots with confidence.

To recap on our endorsements for the top jobs, our choices are Democrat Jari Askins and Democrat Kenneth Corn for governor and lieutenant governor respectively. Askins has the political flexibility necessary for the job and has an Oklahoma-centered focus, whereas her opponent, Republican U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin focused too much on winning support with anti-Washington sentiment.

On the state’s budget crisis, Askins would implement a two-year budget cycle so legislators can prioritize the budget in the most sensible way possible. She is the best candidate for reforming prison laws regarding non-violent drug offenders and examining unnecessary tax breaks for businesses, while also enriching investment and job creation.

Corn would stand behind Askins on all of these issues, with a focus on improving public education in order to foster growth of higher paying jobs.

Having Askins and Corn as the heads of our state would balance out the power of our Republican-dominated legislatures.

Whatever your choice, we hope to see you at the polls.