Jari Askins Stumps for Votes at Oklahoma State Fair

By Jennifer Pierce, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma's Democratic candidate for governor took her campaign to the Oklahoma State Fair Wednesday.

The Lieutenant Governor said she goes to fair once a year to meet with Oklahomans, but this year is probably the most important trip she will make in her career because it's only weeks from the November general election.

Fairgoers lined up to meet Askins, some wanting to shake hands, others came to discuss the issues and some wanted to get an autograph and wish her luck in the upcoming election.

Askins said coming to the fair on Senior Day is something she has done for years, and it's her chance to hear from voters.

"We believe that has always been key to our success to let people know who we are besides just a T.V. commercial," said Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Jari Askins.

Askins shared her stance on the controversial education funding bill State Question 744.

"This state question doesn't have any funding mechanism attached and so it would be devastating to other services provided by the state," Askins said. "We have said we are opposed to it from the beginning."

Askins said the billion dollar state budget shortfall will be her number one priority if elected governor.

"Let's make budget the focus from the beginning of the session, let's involve all legislatures and deal with budget issues and reapportionment and get those out of the way and then see if there is time for anything else," Askins said.

Askins said her focus is not what is happening in Washington D.C., but what impacts her home state.

"I wear my Oklahoma pin everyday to remind me this is what I'm about. I've always lived here and worked here and this is what my focus is," Askins said.

Askins said she doesn't think President Obama's policies or ratings will impact her as the Democratic candidate for governor.