Muskogee Phoenix Endorses Mary Fallin for Oklahoma Governor

The Muskogee Phoenix endorsed Mary Fallin for Oklahoma governor.  The Phoenix wrote:

Governor: Vote Mary Fallin. In a race with two very strong candidates, Fallin gets the nod over Jari Askins. Fallin has a better vision and a sense of urgency. We need someone who is ready to take action and move Oklahoma forward. Fallin has the experience as a state representative and lieutenant governor. The state will be in good hands either way, but we believe Fallin is a cut above.

Enid News & Eagle Endorses Mary Fallin for Oklahoma Governor!

The Enid News and Eagle endorsed Mary Fallin for Oklahoma governor:

When looking at the priorities the state has to deal with — the overall budget shortfall, education funding, road and bridge priorities and the need to keep Oklahoma on solid footing in economic development, we give the nod to both Republicans to lead the top of the ticket and join the Republican-led Legislature in seeing what they can really do to move Oklahoma ahead.

As governor, Mary Fallin would provide the kind of aggression needed in addressing some top issues that our state has to get a handle on.

Click here to read the paper's entire endorsement.

The Oklahoman Endorses Mary Fallin for Oklahoma Governor

The Oklahoman, the largest news paper in the state, endorsed Mary Fallin for Oklahoma governor.

A governor functions as the state's chief economic development official. One factor holding Oklahoma back in economic development is the state's workers' compensation system. Fallin has worked for years to reform the system. She would make reform a top priority. ...

The state needs aggressive leadership in the area of workers' compensation reform. Fallin would provide it. ... 

To give Oklahoma a boost during these troubled economic times, we urge voters to select Republicans Mary Fallin.

Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise Endorses Mary Fallin for OK Governor

From the Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise Endorsement of Mary Fallin:

Regardless the outcome, the 2010 Oklahoma gubernatorial race is, itself, historic. For the first time, both major parties have nominated women for the state’s top job. Both candidates are well qualified, and either would provide much needed leadership that has been sadly lacking since 2002.

But we think the edge clearly goes to Mary Fallin.

Fallin has experience in state and federal deliberative bodies, having served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the United States Congress. She distinguished herself in both offices and proved her ability to get legislation passed. She has been tough and determined to move good bills forward to the benefit of Oklahomans. The contacts and political relationships she forged while a Congresswoman will deliver a level of access and expertise in dealing with federal officials that has been missing during the current administration — and would continue to be missing in her opponent’s administration.

And as lieutenant governor, no one worked harder than Mary Fallin to improve the environment for job growth in our state. Among other accomplishments, Fallin worked tirelessly with Oklahoma Department of Commerce economic development professionals to expand the Certified Cities program. Communities across the state are better positioned for growth because of her contribution to their efforts, and thanks to her involvement, many communities enjoy enhanced prosperity today.

Mary Fallin is the right choice to lead Oklahoma, and on Nov. 2, our vote will be cast for her.

Mary Fallin Talks About the Oklahoma State Budget

The Oklahoman ran a conversation with Mary Fallin about how she will deal with Oklahoma's budget issues as governor.  Below are a couple of responses:


How would you work to improve the state's economy?
To improve the economy we need to create the best possible environment for job creation. I will do that by working to reduce cost-drivers for business, like excessive workers' compensation costs and legal fees. I'll improve education to ensure that we have the kind of highly skilled work force that attracts good jobs. Finally, I'll work to scale back taxes on individuals and businesses.

It appears likely state lawmakers will be facing another large budget hole for the 2012 fiscal year, which starts July 1. What are your suggestions in how to deal with it? More budget cuts, or do you have some ideas to increase revenue?
The last thing Oklahoma needs during this recession is a tax hike on families or businesses. The way to grow our revenue stream is to create jobs and grow the economy, not to nickel and dime our citizens with fee increases and taxes. Government will have to be smaller, smarter and more efficient. Our state government must learn to live within its means.


Tax revenues for the state have come in an average 5 percent for the first two months of this fiscal year. If economic growth is at least 4 percent for the fiscal year, the income tax rate is to be cut from 5.5 percent to 5.25 percent. Do you prefer letting those tax cuts go into effect or suspending them?
Lower taxes stimulate economic growth, help to create jobs and attract businesses to Oklahoma. I do support letting these tax cuts go into effect. Again, we need to find ways to make our government more efficient and effective and to live within its means, not search for ways to squeeze more money out of taxpayers and businesses.

Click here to read the entire article.

Rasmussen: Mary Fallin Hits 60%; Now Up By 26 Points in the Oklahoma Governor Race

From Rasmussen Reports.com:

Republican Congresswoman Mary Fallin has jumped to a 26-point lead over Democrat Jari Askins in Okahoma’s gubernatorial race.

The latest Rasmussen Reports statewide telephone survey of Likely Voters shows Fallin picking up 60% support, while Askins, the state’s current lieutenant governor, earns 34% of the vote. One percent (1%) prefer some other candidate, and five percent (5%) are undecided.

This race remains Solid GOP in the Rasmussen Reports Election 2010 Gubernatorial Scorecard.

Last month, Fallin led Askins 52% to 37%. Prior to the latest survey, Fallin’s support remained in the 51% to 57% range in surveys conducted since February. Askins received between 32% and 37% support during the same period. 

The winner of this race will be the state's first woman governor.

Fallin earns the vote from 89% of Oklahoma Republicans, while Askins is backed by just 64% of Democrats. Fallin holds a 25-point lead over Askins among voters not affiliated with either major political party.

Click here to read the rest of the story.

Mary Fallin Embarks on Whistle-Stop Train Tour of Western Oklahoma!

The Fallin for Governor campaign is pleased to announce that Mary Fallin will embark on an historic, whistle-stop train tour of western Oklahoma to take her message of job creation and fiscal responsibility to five towns in one day of dawn-to-dusk campaigning. The train tour will be held on Monday, September 20.

The whistle-stop train tour will chug into Thomas, Clinton, Cordell and Hobart. At each stop, Mary and her supporters will disembark from the train to visit with folks about her campaign for governor. The whistle-stop tour concludes in Hobart. Mary and her supporters will travel via bus to Frederick for a campaign reception.

Western Oklahoma is an important part of Mary’s campaign and she is excited to speak one-on-one with voters there about her plans to bring more jobs and better opportunities to Oklahomans.

The complete schedule of the whistle-stop tour is listed below. Please join us along the way!

Thomas stop:
7:45 to 8:30 a.m.  Join us for the whistle-stop send-off at Wheeler Brothers, 121 First St. in Thomas. Meet up in the parking lot for coffee and donuts.  The train will leave for Clinton at 8:30 a.m.

Clinton stop:
10:30 a.m.  Mary and train passengers will get off the train to visit with folks at the Route 66 museum in Clinton, 2229 W. Gary Blvd., during a meet and greet reception. The train then leaves for Cordell at 11:30 a.m.

Cordell stop:
12:30 p.m.  Mary and the train passengers will walk to the west end of the Washita County Courthouse, 111 E. Main St., for a meet and greet with folks in Cordell.  Box lunches will be served.  At 1:45 p.m., the train will depart for Hobart.

Hobart stop:
3 p.m. Mary and the train passengers will visit the General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum, 507 S. Main St., for a meet and greet with folks in Hobart. The train tour concludes in Hobart.

Frederick stop:
6 p.m. Join Mary Fallin for a campaign reception at the Tillman-Kiowa Campus of the Great Plains Technology Center, 2001 E. Gladstone, in Frederick.

Tulsa Today: Fallin Embarks on Whistle Stop Tour

Oklahoma gubernatorial candidate Mary Fallin will be embarking on a historic “whistle stop” train tour of western Oklahoma on Monday, September 20, taking her message of job creation and fiscal responsibility to six towns during a dawn-to-dusk day of campaigning.

Scheduled to visit Thomas, Clinton, Cordell, Hobart, Snyder and Frederick by train, Fallin will stop in each town to meet residents and talk about her goals for the state.

The train she will be riding can seat more than 100 passengers and seats are quickly filling up. A limited number of tickets to ride on the train and participate in this historic event are available and can be requested from the Fallin for Governor campaign by calling (405) 778-8900.

Click here to read the rest of the article at Tulsa Today.

NFIB/Oklahoma Endorses Mary Fallin for Governor

OKLAHOMA CITY – The state office of the National Federation of Independent Business, the nation’s leading small business association, has endorsed Mary Fallin in her campaign for governor of Oklahoma.

“Mary Fallin clearly understands the problems facing small business owners, and her commitment to solving them resonates with Oklahoma’s entrepreneurs and family-run companies,” said Benny Vanatta, state director of NFIB/Oklahoma.

“Mary Fallin has demonstrated her leadership as lieutenant governor and, since 2007, as a member of Congress,” Vanatta said. “She has shown our members that she understands the challenges and concerns facing Oklahoma and the state's small businesses.”

“It’s important that we elect a candidate who understands the critical roll small businesses play in Oklahoma’s economy—someone who will make it easier for entrepreneurs and small businesses to lead our state out of this recession and create jobs,” Vanatta said.

“As governor, I will focus like a laser beam on job creation and economic recovery,” Fallin said. “That means helping small businesses, which provide the vast majority of employment opportunities in Oklahoma. It also means standing up to Washington and its job-killing ‘tax and spend’ policies.

“I know Oklahoma has the potential to be one of the best places to do business in the country and in the world,” she said. “But first we need a leader who is going to fight for the kind of pro-business, common-sense reforms that create jobs and spur investment. I’m ready to be that leader, and I’m proud to have the support of the NFIB in my campaign for governor.”

NFIB’s political support is based on the candidate's position and record on small business issues. The endorsement comes from the NFIB/Oklahoma Save America's Free Enterprise Trust, the political action committee for NFIB/Oklahoma’s membership.

Today's endorsement puts the considerable grassroots support of the state's small businesses behind Fallin’s campaign. Small business owners and their employees vote in high numbers and are known for recruiting friends, family members and acquaintances to vote. According to NFIB polling data, small business owners and their employees make up 43% of registered voters in America.

NFIB will encourage its 3,111 members in Oklahoma to help turn out the influential small business voting bloc on Election Day.

Fallin on Jobs Report: “Obama’s Tax and Spend Policies Are Failing Our Citizens”

OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma Republican gubernatorial candidate Mary Fallin released the following statement in response to a Bureau of Labor Statistics Report showing 56,000 jobs lost in the month of August and an increase in the unemployment rate to 9.6%:

“Once again, the latest economic indicators are proving what Oklahomans already know in their gut: President Obama’s ‘tax and spend’ policies are failing our citizens. Washington’s out-of-control spending and its hard-left agenda are making this recession worse.

“I’m running for governor because I know Oklahoma deserves better than the failed, big-government ideology coming out of Washington. Voters are ready for the kind of leader who will stand up to the president and his job-killing policies, get our economy back on track, control spending and eliminate government waste. I’m ready to be that leader, and I’m the only candidate in this race who is prepared to say 'no' to Washington and to move this state forward.”

FOUND: Fallin Supporters in Little Dixie!

Mary dropped by David's Mini Mart in Holdenville today to visit with folks about her campaign for governor.  She talked about how to improve our economy and bring more jobs to all of Oklahoma.

She even found a couple of supporters in Little Dixie, the traditional Democratic stronghold in southeastern Oklahoma.

All across Oklahoma, people agree with Mary that she's the best choice for our next governor because she'll work to create more jobs, to balance our budget and restore fiscal responsibility and she'll stand up to Washington and its job-killing policies.

Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour Campaigns with Mary Fallin

TULSA – Mississippi Governor and Republican Governors Association Chairman Haley Barbour was in Tulsa to campaign for Oklahoma Republican gubernatorial candidate Mary Fallin. The two addressed the media together at the Summit Club before a fundraiser held in support of the Fallin for Governor Campaign.

Barbour, who is leading the Republican effort to win 37 governorships this year said, “We consider one of our best opportunities [for a GOP win] to be here in Oklahoma, because we have such a great candidate. … Mary has a great record of achievement and has proven she’s willing to be clear about where she stands on issues and to stand up for Oklahoma.”  He listed Obamacare and the so-called “Cap and Trade” energy tax, both of which Fallin has vocally opposed and actively campaigned against, as examples of her willingness to stand up to Washington.

Barbour said that Republican candidates for governor like Mary Fallin would address state budget problems by “controlling spending and growing the economy … rather than looking for a handout from Washington.”

Fallin thanked Barbour for his visit to Tulsa and called him “one of the brightest minds in the Republican Party.”

Chickasha Express-Star: Economy foremost on Fallin's mind

Congresswoman Mary Fallin said when she's asked why she would want to leave Washington and run for the Oklahoma governor's office, her response is, "Why wouldn't I?"


"I believe it's our nation's governors that will get us back on track," she said, during a recent campaign stop in Chickasha. And, getting not just the nation back on track but Oklahoma's economy and general well-being is foremost on the gubernatorial candidate's mind.

Fallin cited examples of governors making a difference in their state like Jan Brewer in Arizona and former governor of Florida Jeb Bush.

Brewer has taken a stand against illegal immigration and Bush took the lead in transforming the educational system in Florida.

"It's been the governors that have been stepping up," Fallin said. "I want to stand up for my state. I want to be the ambassador and send a signal across the nation that Oklahoma is ready and open for business."

Click here to read the rest of the story from the Chickasha Express-Star.

Political Realities blog: "Interview with Mary Fallin"

Recently, Mary conducted a Q&A with the Oklahoma-based blog, Political Realities.  Below is an excerpt from the interview:

2.  Given that the current administration in Washington seems reluctant to enforce immigration laws, how do you feel is the best way for Oklahoma officials to work to reduce illegal immigration in our state?

The best way to combat illegal immigration is to give law enforcement agents the ability to enforce the laws we already have on the books. Arizona has done that and, when I am governor, Oklahoma will too.

We also need to give employers an effective, reliable way of checking the legal immigration status of their employees. Most employers want to hire legal immigrants, but I will absolutely have zero tolerance for those that knowingly break the law.

3.  What do you feel are the two biggest differences between you and your opponent, Jari Askins?

I think the biggest difference is that I did not vote for President Obama. Like a majority of Oklahomans in all 77 counties, I believe the president has an ideology that runs contrary to the way most people here see and understand the world. I think voters want a governor who sees the world like they do and who will stand up to Washington. I am ready to be that governor.

Second, I am a leader who is unafraid to take stands on big issues. For instance, whether you agree with me or disagree with me on Barack Obama’s health care bill, I have made it clear that I am opposed to it and I plan to challenge the constitutionality of the law. My opponent, on the other hand, says she is still reading the bill and is undecided. As another example, I made my opposition to the recent state bailout bill well known. My opponent has not offered a position either way.

A lot of times I hear that we have two nice people running for governor. That’s true. But I am the only candidate in this race who is fundamentally conservative and who is willing and able to stand up to the Obama Administration and the failed policies coming from Washington. I have been fighting for the kind of conservative, common sense policies that lead to job growth and prosperity for years and I know where I stand on the issues voters care about.

Click here to read the rest of the article.

Mary Fallin Interview with The Otter Limits blog

Mary Fallin recently conducted an interview via e-mail with the blog The Otter Limits.  Here are a couple of questions:

1. Why are you running for Governor of the State of Oklahoma?

I am running for governor to restore principled, conservative leadership to the governor’s office. For too long, we’ve been without a leader whose focus has been on job growth and fiscal discipline. I plan on being that leader. As your next governor, I will create an atmosphere where businesses and the private sector can thrive, more and better jobs are brought into Oklahoma, and our state government operates in a smarter, more modern and more efficient way.

2. Can you briefly tell me why the voters should choose you over Jari Askins?

If you are a conservative voter looking for a conservative candidate, I am your gal. I stood up to President Obama’s big spending, big government agenda. I voted against Obamacare and I was one of the first to encourage our state leaders, including Lieutenant Governor Askins, to join other states in challenging the constitutionality of that law. I support tough, smart policies to combat illegal immigration, similar to what we’ve seen in Arizona. And I am pro-gun and pro-Constitution, with an “A” rating from the NRA.

Compare that record to that of my opponent. She says she still hasn’t read the health care bill and doesn’t have any opinion either way on Obamacare. She opposes Arizona’s immigration law. And she was one of only 5 state representatives to vote against a law allowing law abiding, permitted gun owners to carry concealed weapons.

I think it’s clear that I am the conservative candidate in this race and that my views are the views of the average Oklahoman. My opponent, on the other hand, leans far to the left and her politics have more in common with President Obama’s than with the working men and women of our state.

Click here to read the rest of the interview.

McAlester News-Capital: Fallin: Jobs is Job 1

McALESTER — Jobs.

If Oklahomans can only create more jobs, Republican gubernatorial candidate Mary Fallin says that many of the state’s other problems will take care of themselves.

Funding for areas such as education, law enforcement and corrections will increase if more Oklahomans are able to find jobs, Fallin said.

One way Fallin says she would help in that area is by trying to reduce the amount of red tape and regulations faced by businesses in Oklahoma, especially small business operators.

Fallin spent part of her afternoon in McAlester on Saturday, where she addressed the Oklahoma Federation of Republican Women, who met at The Meeting Place.

Click here to read the rest of the story in the McAlester News-Capital.

From The Oklahoman: Gubernatorial candidate Q&A with Mary Fallin

The Oklahoman recently ran a Q&A series with the candidates for Oklahoma governor.  Here is one of Mary's answers:

How would you work to improve the state's economy? 

As governor, creating more and better jobs will be my number one priority. I'll lead the way by working towards lower taxes on businesses and individuals, reducing government bureaucracy and eliminating the kind of red tape and litigation costs that keep a lid on small business growth. We also need to renew our commitment to education. Without a highly skilled, well-educated work force, businesses will choose to locate elsewhere and our citizens will find it harder than ever to compete in a global economy.

Click here to read all of Mary's answers to the Oklahoman's Q&A

Jeb Bush Endorses Mary Fallin for Okla Governor!

OKLAHOMA CITY – Jeb Bush, Governor of Florida from 1999 – 2007, today endorsed Mary Fallin for Governor of Oklahoma, citing her conservative record, her leadership experience and her commitment to education reform.

“Mary Fallin is a committed conservative with a long record of accomplishment and public service,” said Bush. “As governor, I know Mary will work to bring jobs into the state of Oklahoma and to rein in runaway government spending.”

“Mary also understands that job creation and economic growth begin with our schools. You can’t attract business to your state or produce long term prosperity without ensuring students are prepared to compete in a global, knowledge-based economy. I know Mary is prepared to reform Oklahoma’s schools and work for more rigor and accountability in the classrooms. I’m happy to offer her my support in her race for governor, and I am confident she is the leader that Oklahoma needs.”

Fallin said she was honored to receive Governor Bush’s endorsement and praised his record as governor of Florida.

“Governor Jeb Bush’s record of accomplishment in Florida is truly remarkable, and his education policies have become a national model for reform-minded governors. I am honored and thrilled to have his support in this race, and I thank him for his leadership and his continued dedication to the conservative movement.”

Woodward News: Fallin brings campaign to western Oklahoma

Woodward, Okla. — Mary Fallin wants to streamline Oklahoma’s state government while still focusing on priorities such as education and job creation.

The Congresswoman, who is one of 4 Republicans running for governor of Oklahoma, shared her vision for the office in an interview with The News on Monday afternoon.

If elected as governor, Fallin said her priorities would be “creating jobs, reforming state government, balancing the budget and improving our education system.”

Click here to read the rest of the article from the Woodward News.

Edmond Life and Leisure: Our picks for Oklahoma governor

The Edmond Life and Leisure newspaper recently announced its endorsement of Mary Fallin in the Oklahoma gubernatorial race.

"We endorse with full confidence and excitement our current Fifth District Representative in Congress and former Lt. Governor of the great state of Oklahoma, Mary Fallin, for the Republican nomination in the July 27 primary election. This will also come as no surprise for those of you who read this column regularly. The disclaimer I have here is that she is a personal friend and has been one since our kids were young enough to play together at Rotary Christmas dinners.

"However, our friendship is not the reason I endorse her for the Republican nomination for governor. We take a look at these races from a fresh approach every time they run for office to make sure it is a good fit. I have no doubt that she is a perfect fit for this office. Mary Fallin is clearly the most experienced, articulate and capable candidate on the Republican ticket for governor. She has been a lifelong conservative with more than 19 years of public service in an elected office including being a state representative. This is important because working with our state representatives and senators is key to moving Oklahoma forward.

Fallin has the perfect combination and balance of leadership, knowledge, resources and toughness to take Oklahoma to the next level.

Click here to read the rest of the article.