Editor’s note: In preparation for the Nov. 2 state elections, The Daily will endorse key candidates and state questions. After reporting on the candidates and issues, most papers make editorial decisions in favor of specific candidates and issues.
Although the candidates share similar views on most platform issues, we endorse Democrat Jari Askins because she would be a moderate voice of reason in our red state.
Republican candidate, Congresswoman Mary Fallin, is too far right to be governor. With conservative Republicans likely to remain in control of the Oklahoma Legislature, we need someone in the top job who can balance power and work with legislators on key issues like education, health care, the state budget and immigration.
Regarding Oklahoma policies, both candidates support tax breaks for businesses, but want to reexamine which ones work and which don’t. Both support job growth and reforming the state’s prison system to create cheaper alternatives for nonviolent offenders.
These typical talking points don’t reveal how a candidate will handle issues once actually elected.
We feel Askins has revealed more innovative ideas than Fallin regarding policy, specifically about the state budget crisis.
Askins has proposed implementing a two-year budget cycle to work ahead and prioritize state funds in a more responsible fashion. If SQ 744 were to pass, this would help to find the best ways to fund it.
She also advocates the creation of a Children’s Cabinet, which would focus on issues affecting Oklahoma’s children. If you want to know where Fallin stands on children’s issues, look no further than the failing grade given to her by the non-partisan Children’s Defense Fund, which grades lawmakers on how well they support initiatives for children.
On immigration, Askins hasn’t jumped on the Republican bandwagon in support of Arizona’s immigration law, saying she’ll focus on Oklahoma’s immigration laws, which are strong as it is.
We hope Askins won’t move that far right if elected just to please the ultra-conservative leadership.
While Askins has made no indication that she will be the champion of groups commonly associated with progressive social issues, such as the LGBT community and women’s rights advocates, it’s more likely that she’ll actually consider their validity to participate in the democratic process.
If Fallin is elected, members of these communities will be marginalized. Just take her comments on why she would be a better governor than Askins because she is a mother, implying Askins’ lack of a spouse or children is a detriment to her leadership. Is she suggesting single women, single mothers, women without children or widows can’t make good leaders? Her comments are a slap in the face to many Oklahoma women.
As a Congresswoman, it’s no surprise that Fallin has played on the fears of Washington politics. She constantly states the need for an Oklahoma leader to “stand up to the liberals in Washington.”
Just what exactly can she do, as governor, to battle Washington? She can vote to opt out of the health care bill. Seeing as Askins has pledged to do this, that makes her just as qualified as Fallin in this regard.
Plus, riding on the anti-Washington train only exposes Fallin’s hypocrisies. She was among the other Republican Congress members who wrote letters to federal agencies in order to secure funds from the $800 billion stimulus bill they so vehemently opposed. Sounds like a real anti-Washington leader.
Fallin should have left battling Washington up to our Senators and House Representatives.
Askins on the other hand has focused almost entirely on Oklahoma issues, only mentioning Washington when forced to counter the Fallin campaign’s lies.
Askins has good ideas for Oklahoma and is willing to work with different groups to make decisions for the benefit of all Oklahomans.
This is what separates Askins from her opponent. Fallin is a hardliner when it comes to ideology, and we run the risk of alienating many Oklahomans if she takes the highest leadership position in our state.
This makes Askins a much better choice than her hard-line Republican opponent.
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Unbias 1 year, 7 months ago
Sounds like the typical college liberal wrote this... Last time I checked we're one of the most red states in the country, don't believe me? Ask Obama. So what does too far to the right mean? Also for your information both candidates make it clear what they plan to do regarding the top issues in our state. It's all over their site, just do your research for a change. The fact that Jari wants to work on Oklahoma immigration laws and handle education in her own way rather than looking at other states to see what actually works is selfish and ignorant. Wanting Jari to not "move that far right" (against the state's majority) is selfish of the person who wrote this. Regarding the "groups commonly associated with progressive social issues", you are correct. I also like the support the clubs I'm part of. It just makes sense that way. Mary Fallin's comment about being a wife and mother of eight is who she is. If she were running against Drew Edmundson and said "I'm a female" would that also be a "slap in the face"? "Fallin's hypocrisies"? Why do you think she left Washington? She tried battling Washington as a Representative, and now she knows she needs to be Governor to be more efficient. Jari won't know how to handle Washington because she doesn't have the experience. That's why she stays out of it and only focuses "entirely on Oklahoma issues." Put that in your paper and quit being bias. I vote for Mary Fallin cause she means it when she says no one will fight harder for Oklahoma and she's proven it in her campaign.
Dont_Like_Hippies 1 year, 7 months ago
Jari Askins is a GDI. Mary Fallin is a Theta. Nuff said.
OUAlum 1 year, 7 months ago
In the interest of accuracy, Jari isn't a GDI. She was an Alpha Chi at OU.
Anon 1 year, 7 months ago
Unbias,
First, Mary Fallin is not a mother of eight. Check the facts. Also, does her failed marriage make her a better candidate?
If she was running against Drew Edmundson and cited being a woman as to why she is more qualified, people would jump on her for sexism; males and females can do the same things politically, thanks. Same with mothers; just having children doesn't make you more qualified. Having more experience makes you more qualified.
Jari won't "handle" Washington because, um, as governor of Oklahoma she doesn't actually have jurisdiction over Washington. She has jurisdiction over Oklahoma. That's the problem with Fallin; she doesn't seem to recognize that she only has power HERE if she's elected HERE. She doesn't get to sign laws for Texas or for the nation; she signs them for Oklahoma.
The word is "biased," by the way. Bias is a noun, biased is the adjective. Learn basic English grammar please.
Oklahoma is a right-wing state - but guess what? Jari Askins is right-wing. The last time I checked, the Oklahoma Democrats are much more conservative than the national Democratic Party. Why? Because they recognize that Oklahoma is a right-wing state. There is a difference in right-wing conservatism and right-wing authoritarianism, however - Jari is conservative, Mary is authoritarian (extreme right-wing). Being one of the most conservative states in the nation doesn't mean that we are representative of extreme right-wing authoritarianism. In fact, there are plenty of moderate conservatives, regular moderates, and (God forbid!) liberals here too. And guess what, we get a vote too (scary, isn't it?).
kbhaze 1 year, 7 months ago
Unbias,
You're so far mistaken and on a tempered rant that I was stumped at where to begin, luckily Anon took the lead on that for me.
Fallin has 2 kids of her own who she put through a very public divorce where she smeared her (ex) husband's name. The four other children she likes to boast about as a credential, are actually her new husband's kids from two previous marriages and were grown before he and Ms. Fallin met. Despite whether you or anyone thinks it is right or wrong of her to mention motherhood as a credential for public office, if you look at the facts of the personal life which she wants to boast as a qualification, you'll quickly see that she's full of um ... bull (sure, that's an appropriate synonym). Although, I should point out that in our state, where we have one of the highest divorce rates in the country, I suppose she fits in just perfectly, wouldn't you agree? So much for "family values."
On another note, I am one of Fallin's constituents for her position in the U.S. House, and I can tell you from personal experience, on a number of occasions, she has responded to all of my questions and concerns with a generic, pre-rehearsed statement saying that while she understands my position, she will never vote my way because she doesn't agree. The issue here isn't whether or not she agrees with me, it's whether or not her constituents want something. Her opinion doesn't matter outside of her vote as a private citizen. That's why she's called a "representative." She seems to miss this point.
In addition, regarding your comment about how Fallin looks to other states to see what works and what doesn't work - this is completely absurd. Fallin is NOT a leader, by doing this, she is a follower. And for that matter, her position on agreeing with Arizona's NEW boarder and immigration laws is preposterous as an argument for seeing what works, as this is far from being determined in Arizona. Same goes for education reform as not a single state in America ranks among the best education globally.
I don't anticipate that any of the comments here will change your mind, however I think it's important that we discuss these issues and candidates critically and use our intelligence and logic to choose the right candidate for the job. Please step back from your anger and frustration and take a clear headed look at the issues being presented ... weigh the likely, or unlikely, ability of these candidates to actually DO what they stand for. Just because a candidate says they want to make something happen, doesn't mean it will. Look at what their priorities and specialties are and how they align with your beliefs and priorities and save us all from an uninformed and unconscious vote.
Okie3L 1 year, 7 months ago
Let's at least be honest. You're not choosing Askins because of her political flexibility. You're choosing her, and Corn, because of the "D" by their names. That's fine, but don't try to hide it by using nonsense terms.
unionman 1 year, 6 months ago
J. I don’t think there is a hint of bipartisanship in this article. Coming from a republican or democrat to a liberal, you lost me when you claimed Askin’s has good ideas for Oklahoma and that is what separates her from Fallin. Apparently you have not been keeping up with the rest of the country or your own party at that. We see where we are headed right now and it looks like bedlam. I hope you can at least agree. K. On a side note and completely apart from politics. Anon, you did your best to inform us of proper syntax and trying to sound intellectually superior to all other republicans, democrats, and readers alike when you gave Unbias your English lesson (even tho the post doesn’t concern grammar so why worry about it:) Unbias said “You should put that in your paper and quit being bias”, and you were fast to try to correct him. I wish we were all such free thinkers and ‘deep’ as you are. You are correct that biased is an adjective and bias is a noun. Good work. You forgot to remember that bias can also be a verb. I think he was referring to you, the subject of the sentence, in present tense as being bias.
unionman 1 year, 6 months ago
F. What exactly can a governor do to battle Washington? That belittles your support for Askin’s and shows you only vote along with the Democratic Party lines because you feel like you should. The governor is the head of executive branch of our state. Our state has certain amendments that give each separate state power. Look at the 10th and 14th amendments. While your at it, check out the dormant commerce clause. Those things don’t really concern jurisdiction, they actually avoid it. Do your own research. G. As far as health care reform goes, Askin’s seemed to only change her stance once she finally realized it was unpopular. Do your own research. H. The way you attempted to make Congresswoman Fallin out as a hypocrite is simply self defeating if you live in Okalahoma. She did ‘vehemently’ oppose the ‘stimulus’ package. Her opposition failed because of the majority of Congress, not her. After it was passed, what do you think was better for Oklahoma? Let the money go to other states or secure any funds available for Oklahoma. I know what you’re thinking and yes, she did try to secure any available funds for Oklahoma. Just like you said she did. I. “Fallin should have left battling Washington” to Congress. (Your tenses are wrong.. she is) Askin’s has only “mentioned Washington when forced to… Askin’s … has focused entirely on Oklahoma.” I want to make a joke first. The ‘Left’ battling Washington sounds funny. The news makes it sound like the left is battling everywhere but Washington. Second, Fallin’s ads do not lie. Look at the small print in the commercials and you will see history and voting records back each statement. Jeri’s do not contain any small print. I would much rather have a candidate who has been there and shown where she stands than someone who ‘has never left Oklahoma.’ Im curious, does Jari just stay in Oklahoma to collect family money and royalty checks? Her campaign contributions say so.
unionman 1 year, 6 months ago
Anonymous, judging by the tone of your comment you must have been the one to write the article. I have looked at both candidates and only one stands out to me. I am going to take unbias(ed) point of view. Since you are partial to the enter key, I will separate my sentences also. Spoiler Alert: the theme of this post is to do your own research.
A. I agree, the issues are the most important things in the race and that is why I am behind Fallin. Regarding OK’s policies, both do support making Oklahoma better. I think everyone would. Askin’s two year budget cycle to work ahead and prioritize is a talking point. Fallin said basically the same thing, only she was more specific when saying it. Do your own research. B. Check Children’s Defense Fund’s website and Oklahoma is one of only 23 states that took steps to improve health coverage. Also, I think you mean a failing grade as compared to the democratic members. Fallin is far better than average among the republicans. Do your own research. C. On immigration, I think that one is obvious. D. Funny how you adhere to the hope that Askin’s will champion progressive social issues. Also, funny how you specifically mention the LGBT community. Tell us more about yourself …. If asked, I bet Fallin would be supportive either way. Contrary to your closing, I do not see Fallin or Askin’s alienating anyone (God forbid!.. the liberals). I think both parties agree that everyone is important.
sooner41 1 year, 6 months ago
H. The way you attempted to make Congresswoman Fallin out as a hypocrite is simply self defeating if you live in Okalahoma. She did ‘vehemently’ oppose the ‘stimulus’ package. Her opposition failed because of the majority of Congress, not her. After it was passed, what do you think was better for Oklahoma? Let the money go to other states or secure any funds available for Oklahoma. I know what you’re thinking and yes, she did try to secure any available funds for Oklahoma. Just like you said she did. I. “Fallin should have left battling Washington” to Congress. (Your tenses are wrong.. she is) Askin’s has only “mentioned Washington when forced to… Askin’s … has focused entirely on Oklahoma.” I want to make a joke first. The ‘Left’ battling Washington sounds funny. The news makes it sound like the left is battling everywhere but Washington. Second, Fallin’s ads do not lie. Look at the small print in the commercials and you will see history and voting records back each statement. Jeri’s do not contain any small print. I would much rather have a candidate who has been there and shown where she stands than someone who ‘has never left Oklahoma.’ Im curious, does Jari just stay in Oklahoma to collect family money and royalty checks? Her campaign contributions say so. J. I don’t think there is a hint of bipartisanship in this article. Coming from a republican or democrat to a liberal, you lost me when you claimed Askin’s has good ideas for Oklahoma and that is what separates her from Fallin. Apparently you have not been keeping up with the rest of the country or your own party at that. We see where we are headed right now and it looks like bedlam. I hope you can at least agree. K. On a side note and completely apart from politics.(8 kids, r u including u and ur roommate) Anon, you did your best to inform us of proper syntax and trying to sound intellectually superior to all other republicans, democrats, and readers alike when you gave Unbias your English lesson (even tho the post doesn’t concern grammar so why worry about it:) Unbias said “You should put that in your paper and quit being bias”, and you were fast to try to correct him. I wish we were all such free thinkers and ‘deep’ as you are. You are correct that biased is an adjective and bias is a noun. Good work. You forgot to remember that bias can also be a verb. I think he was referring to you, the subject of the sentence, in present tense, as being bias.
sooner41 1 year, 6 months ago
Anonymous, judging by the tone of your comment you could have been the one to write the article. I have looked at both candidates and only one stands out to me. I am going to take unbias(ed) point of view. Since you are partial to the enter key, I will separate my sentences also. Spoiler Alert: the theme of this post is to do your own research.
A. I agree, the issues are the most important things in the race and that is why I am behind Fallin. Regarding OK’s policies, both do support making Oklahoma better. I think everyone would. Askin’s two year budget cycle to work ahead and prioritize is a talking point. Fallin said basically the same thing, only she was more specific when saying it. Do your own research. B. Check Children’s Defense Fund’s website and Oklahoma is one of only 23 states that took steps to improve health coverage. Also, I think you mean a failing grade as compared to the democratic members. Fallin is far better than average among the republicans. Do your own research. C. On immigration, I think that one is obvious. D. Funny how you adhere to the hope that Askin’s will champion progressive social issues. Also, funny how you specifically mention the LGBT community. Tell us more about yourself …. If asked, I bet Fallin would be supportive either way. Contrary to your closing, I do not see Fallin or Askin’s alienating anyone (God forbid!.. the liberals). I think both parties agree that everyone is important. E. I watched the debate too and Ive kept up with my research. After being asked what separated the two candidates from each other, Fallin did state she is a mother. She also went on to list numerous other reasons why she is more qualified. Do your own research to see those. I agree that being a mother does not make you more or less qualified, but it does set you apart from someone who is not a mother. That is only one minor detail in her list of distinct qualifications so please do not harbor on something taken out of context. I believe it was not a slap in the face, only a statement of fact made in passing. Her own qualifications are what set her apart. Do your own research. F. What exactly can a governor do to battle Washington? That belittles your support for Askin’s and shows you only vote along with the Democratic Party lines because you feel like you should. The governor is the head of executive branch of our state. Our, like the other 49 states, have certain amendments that give each separate state power. Look at the 10th and 14th amendments. While your at it, check out the dormant commerce clause. Those things don’t really concern jurisdiction, they actually circumvent federal law. Do your own research. G. As far as health care reform goes, Askin’s seemed to only change her stance once she finally realized it was unpopular. Do your own research.