Edmondson Concedes; Askins, Fallin to Face Off for Governor

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Democrat Jari Askins and Republican Mary Fallin will meet in the November 2 general election for governor. One of them will become Oklahoma's first female governor. Drew Edmondson conceded at about 11 p.m. Tuesday to make Askins the Democratic gubernatorial nominee.

Current U.S. Congresswoman Fallin was unable to vote for herself in the primaries after traveling last minute to Washington to vote on a troop funding bill.

"I am running for governor to lead Oklahoma during difficult times. We are currently facing a recession, a budget crisis and unprecedented federal intervention that is as intrusive as it is harmful. As governor, I will focus like a laser beam on job creation and economic development. I'll cut wasteful spending out of the budget and make our state government more efficient. And, of course, I'll stand up to Washington and fight for our rights. I'm confident that we have a bright future ahead of us, and I'm ready to lead us in the right direction," Fallin said.

Fallin won by more than 55 percent of the vote. Her opponents were Randy Brogdon, Roger L. Jackson and Robert Hubbard.

Fallin has been a U.S. Representative since 2007. She was Lt. Governor from 1995-2007 and an Oklahoma State Rep. from 1991-1995.

Dozens of Fallin's supporters were gathered at the Will Rogers Theatre to watch numbers roll. Fallin made it back into Oklahoma late Tuesday evening and addressed the crowd of supporters just after 10 p.m.

Drew Edmondson, Askins' only opponent in the Democratic primary for governor, addressed his watch party at about 11 p.m. to concede to Askins and express his support for the Democratic gubernatorial nominee.

Edmondson gave up his seat as Oklahoma Attorney General to run for governor.

Askins won by less than 2,000 votes. She made her acceptance speech just after 11 p.m.

"These are tough times and I want to help the state I love with all my heart. I think my experience as a judge, legislator, head of the Pardon and Parole Board and Lt. Governor gives me the right background to lead. I also believe we need a governor who can work with both parties and bring them together in the best interest of all Oklahomans. That is what I did as a legislator and that's what I will do as governor," Askins said.

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