Showing posts with label Oklahoma politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oklahoma politics. Show all posts

October 29, 2010

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.

October 28, 2010

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.

October 25, 2010

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.

October 20, 2010

Fact Check: Jari Askins is Misleading Voters About Her Record

Oklahoma City - Fallin for Governor Communications Director Alex Weintz issued the following statement today responding to Jari Askins' claim that she has been publicly opposed to President Obama's health care reform plan and cap and trade for over a year:

"Jari Askins has finally realized that voters are rejecting her liberal positions on issues and is trying to reinvent herself two weeks before the election. It's a desperate, last minute attempt to reinvigorate her failing campaign, and voters will see right through it.

"Oklahomans want a principled, conservative leader, not someone who arrives at a position when it's politically convenient. That's why conservative Republicans, Democrats and independents will all choose Mary Fallin for governor on November 2nd."

Fact Check

• Claim: Jari Askins has opposed Barack Obama's health care plan and "cap and trade" for over a year

"Askins said for more than a year she has publicly opposed health care reform and cap and trade policies of the Obama administration." - Oklahoman, 10/20/10

• Fact: Mary Fallin called on Attorney General Drew Edmondson to challenge the constitutionality of the federal health care overhaul in court; Jari Askins did not. And one day after her primary election victory, Jari said she was undecided about the bill.

"[Askins] said she hasn't made a decision on the bill. ‘Honestly, I'm still reading the bill,' Askins said." - Oklahoman, 7/29

• Fact: Askins for Governor Campaign Manager Sid Hudson is quoted in today's issue of the Oklahoma Gazette explaining why Jari Askins does not speak out on issues like cap and trade.

Hudson: "Jari could give an opinion on cap and trade, but it's just an opinion. I think Oklahomans would prefer she be more concerned with helping run the state of Oklahoma." - Oklahoma Gazette, 10/20/10

October 5, 2010

Enid News: Fallin speaks about plans

From the Enid News:

ENID — Oklahoma Republican gubernatorial candidate Mary Fallin outlined the four planks of her Fallin Plan Monday at the Enid Rotary Club.


The first plan is to get Oklahoma’s economy working by focusing on jobs and creating a better business climate. She also wants to keep taxes low in the state and as the economy further rebounds, reduce them even more.

“Small business owners have told me the costs of workers’ compensation insurance keep them from expanding and adding jobs,” Fallin said.

Click here to read the rest of the article.

October 4, 2010

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.

October 1, 2010

From the Blogosphere: OK Gov Race By The Numbers

The blog, Doyle Pruitt's "Truth in Politics" recently had a post about the Oklahoma governor's race "by the numbers."

The blog ran down recent polling numbers, TV commercials and news stories.  Click here to read the post.

September 24, 2010

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.

September 23, 2010

From the Blogosphere: Everybody Wants to Be a Conservative

The blog, The Conservative Pup, writes about the Oklahoma governor's race:

Mary Fallin has stated clearly and without politi-speak her position on illegal immigration.  Gov. Jan Brewer has endorsed Mary Fallin.  Mary Fallin isn’t afraid to take a stand.
Her opponent hasn’t taken a stand, not really.  Though I suppose you could make the case that in answering that she does support the Dream Act, and by not stating clearly if she supports Arizona’s legislation on illegal trespassers that she has taken a stand.
That’s not the stand that is good for Oklahoma.  And it’s not the stance of an ‘Oklahoma conservative.’
Oklahomans have a choice in November between two women to be our next governor, and only Mary Fallin is a conservative in this race.
Click here to read the entire blog entry:

August 11, 2010

Mary Fallin: Why I Said "No" to More Bailouts

Dear Friends,

Yesterday, House Speaker Pelosi called an emergency vote on a $26 billion plan to "bailout" state budgets. I cancelled several campaign events so I could return and cast a resounding "NO" vote.

I opposed this plan, like I opposed similar wasteful spending measures, for one simple reason:  we cannot keep printing and borrowing money and calling it "stimulus." Whether it's the stimulus spending bill or Obamacare, the big-government, big-spending agenda pursued by Washington has not created jobs or helped middle-class, working Americans. What it has done instead is bury our children and grandchildren under a mountain of debt.

Now, the liberals in Washington and our opponents in Oklahoma are trying to say I don't support education or teachers because of my opposition to this bailout. That's just not true. What I don't support is a $26 billion plan to bailout states like California, which have spent themselves into deep trouble. And I certainly don't support the $9.8 billion in job-killing tax increases that were also added to this legislation. That's the old recipe for disaster that Washington Democrats are intent on pursuing even during a recession: tax and spend, and more tax and spend.

The bottom line is that we shouldn't be asked to bailout other states that have acted irresponsibly. What we should be doing is focusing on creating more and better jobs, supporting our small businesses and getting more businesses to locate in Oklahoma.  When we do that we'll create more opportunities for working Oklahomans and we'll also generate the revenue stream we need to adequately fund state agencies. That's how, as governor, I'll work to support our teachers and our health care providers the right way, without wasteful government bailouts or Washington interference.

I'll also lead the way in making government more efficient and more effective, so we don't need taxpayer-funded bailouts to provide essential services. And, of course, I'll continue to stand up to Washington and make sure the agenda we pursue is one that creates jobs and prosperity, not one that designed to support the political elite.

The best way for Oklahoma to fight big-government spending policies like the one I voted against yesterday is to restore conservative leadership and fiscal responsibility to the governor's office. That's exactly what I plan to do, and why I hope I'll have your vote in November.

God bless,
Mary Fallin

August 10, 2010

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.