The race has officially begun.  Yesterday the Republican Governor’s Association out of Washington DC began running ads attacking Jari.  This is proof that our positive message for Oklahoma’s Future is a threat to Congresswoman Fallin’s campaign.

We need your help more than ever to combat Congresswoman Fallin’s Washington DC hit mob.  Our campaign must now  spend our own money to ensure the truth get’s out.  Watch our response ad on the right.   Will you please help by donating $35, $50, or $100 today? If you can’t help us with a donation can you help by telling your friends about Jari?

Congresswoman Fallin’s campaign claim they are winning this race and there is no way Jari can beat them.   But this negative attack campaign from her DC pals is proof that we can win in November.

This is the first, but it won’t be the last attack from these Washington groups.  Please help so we can help fight back today!

At the end of July, polls showed we were 21 points down.  Another poll several weeks later showed fourteen.  Two weeks ago our internal polling showed us nine points down and another tracking poll last week showed us SEVEN points away!  All of this without having launched our ads on TV and radio.

The trend is in our favor and there is a pathway to victory!  With your help we will win in November and you will have a Governor that will represent all people in Oklahoma, not the special interests in Washington and on Wall Street.

Please help us by donating to the campaign today.  With $35, $50, or $100 we can get our own ads up on television and convey Jari’s positive message for Oklahoma’s future.

Thank you so much for your continued support.

Sid Hudson
Campaign Manager

P.S.  Please, help us today with a $35, $50, or $100 donation. Or volunteer your time by telling your friends about Jari.

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Fourth Reading: No truth in advertising here

By M. Scott Carter
The Journal Record
Posted: 07:49 PM Thursday, September 9, 2010

It if wasn’t so poorly done, the television advertisement by the Republican Governors Association that tries to paint Jari Askins as a clone of president Barack Obama would be funny.

Claiming Askins, the Democrat’s nominee for governor, is too liberal for Oklahoma, the ad goes on to tell those who bothered to watch it that Askins and the president both support immigration laws that the GOP considers to be a bad idea.

Funny thing, though, that proposal they’re talking about was written by a Republican state representative. Look closely and you’ll see the 2003 legislation the ad mentions was written by then-state Rep. Kevin Calvey.

Yeah, that Kevin Calvey.

Say what you want about Calvey, but the last thing in the world anyone can accuse Calvey of is being a liberal; seriously, this is the guy who filed a lawsuit against the federal health care plan. Liberal is not a part of his DNA.

Despite what the RGA would have you believe, the legislation in question allowed undocumented students (who were required by the bill to begin the process of becoming legal residents) to pay in-state tuition and apply for state financial aid.

The bill didn’t give the students anything; it allowed them to apply and it wasn’t targeted at students who were here illegally – it was an attempt to help those students who were establishing legal residency.

Seriously, I doubt that Calvey is going to stretch very far for an undocumented, illegal resident.

But what the GOP governors would have you believe is that Askins somehow joined forces with Darth Vader, the Evil Emperor, Ming the Merciless, and a sinister group of intergalactic meanies to give away our tax dollars.

The GOP governors – who remind me of the “Swift Boat” boys – also failed to mention that the 2003 bill they’re talking about passed by an overwhelming bipartisan vote in both houses of the Oklahoma Legislature.

Further, U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin didn’t do herself any favors with her campaign’s lukewarm “it wasn’t our fault” response. Fallin, the Republican gubernatorial nominee, was serving as lieutenant governor when the measure passed and I don’t remember any public statements from her concerning the 2003 bill.

Certainly, if it was an issue then, why didn’t she raise Cain about it?

If Fallin is as serious as she claims to be about running an issue-oriented campaign, then she could easily flip open her cell phone, and call the RGA and ask it to stop running the ad; I’m pretty sure that hasn’t happened yet.

So it’s come to this: A group of people you don’t know, who have no idea about what’s going on here and who have very little invested in this state, want you to believe that Askins is the bad guy.

Well, she’s not.

Askins – and her opponent – are decent, honorable people who, I believe, are trying to do the right thing – even though a really lame television ad by RGA wants you to think otherwise.

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Ad tries to link Oklahoma gubernatorial hopeful Jari Askins with Obama

BY MICHAEL MCNUTT Oklahoman   

Published: September 9, 2010

A television ad paid for by a GOP governors’ group that tries to tie Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jari Askins with President Barack Obama is nothing more than a “partisan smear campaign,” an Askins spokesman said Wednesday.

The tag line for the commercial, which began airing on Oklahoma TV stations Wednesday, is “Jari Askins: ideas too liberal for Oklahoma.” It was paid for by the Republican Governors Association.

The ad says Askins, Oklahoma’s lieutenant governor, and Obama, who failed to win a single Oklahoma County in the 2008 presidential election, are similar in that “they both support immigration policies too liberal for Oklahoma.”

The ad is referring to legislation passed in 2003 which allows undocumented students who graduate from Oklahoma high schools to pay in-state tuition and apply for state financial aid to attend college. Askins, who then served in the state House of Representatives, voted for the measure.

“In the bill highlighted in the ad, Jari joined an overwhelming and bipartisan majority of legislators in supporting a bill that set standards for college admissions and required that undocumented students report themselves to immigration officials and seek to legalize their immigration status,” said Sid Hudson, Askins’ campaign manager.

“The so-called liberal bill was co-authored by Republicans and Democrats, and even House Bill 1804, one of the toughest immigration laws in the country, specifically protected this policy,” he said.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Mary Fallin, a congresswoman from Oklahoma City, did not have anything to do with the content of the ad “nor were we asked to approve it,” said Alex Weintz, communications director for Fallin’s campaign.

“Our campaign is focused on Mary’s positive message to bring jobs to Oklahoma, control spending and stand up to Washington, D.C., and the dangerous policies it is forcing on the rest of the country,” he said.

The measure, Senate Bill 596, also was brought up in the 2006 gubernatorial campaign by Republican challenger Ernest Istook, who criticized Gov. Brad Henry for signing the measure into law. Istook said the law prevented thousands of Oklahoma students from getting financial aid, but a check with higher education officials showed 37 undocumented students received assistance in the previous fiscal year.

Henry, who easily won re-election in 2006 and cannot seek a third term this year, would have vetoed the measure had it required the students to be working toward legalized status, a spokesman for the governor said after Istook brought up the criticism.

Undocumented students enrolling in Oklahoma colleges and universities in 2007-08 generally are not eligible for state financial aid unless they meet certain criteria, according to a 2009 report by the Advancement of Hispanic Students in Higher Education Task Force. Its findings showed 55 undocumented students received tuition aid in the 2006-07 academics year, 56 students in the 2007-08 academic year and eight students in the 2008-09 academic year.

The report said undocumented students numbered 272 out of 229,903 students enrolled in Oklahoma colleges and universities in the 2008-09 academic year.

“I’m disappointed, but not surprised,” Hudson said, “that the first television ad from Mary Fallin’s Washington friends is the politics as usual, partisan smear campaign that we’ve come to expect out of Washington, D.C.”

Chris Schrimpf, a spokesman with the Republican Governors Association, said Wednesday the television buy for the ads was “significant,” but said he did not have a dollar amount.

How long the ad runs depends on how well the ad does, he said. He didn’t consider the ad an attack on Askins and doesn’t expect it to harm Fallin.

“If we thought it was going to backfire we wouldn’t air it,” Schrimpf said.

Read more: http://newsok.com/ad-tries-to-link-oklahoma-gubernatorial-hopeful-askins-with-obama/article/3493204#ixzz0z6AGFSVy

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Oklahoma Gubernatorial Candidate Jari Askins Targeted For Stance On Illegal Immigration

News on 6

UNDATED — The first negative ad in the race for Oklahoma governor has hit the airwaves.

And neither candidate is behind it. A third party group is taking aim at Democratic nominee Jari Askins over her stance on illegal immigration.

News On 6 reporter Ashli Sims put the ad to the Truth Test.

The ad, by the Republican Governor’s Association, claims Askins voted for a bill in the Legislature to give illegal immigrants in-state tuition.

That’s true.

She did vote for a 2003 bill that would allow the children of illegal immigrants to qualify for in-state tuition if they’d lived here for at least two years and they take steps to become legal immigrants.

The Askins campaign said this was a bipartisan bill aimed at not punishing children for the mistakes of their parents.

The ad also claims the Lieutenant Governor supports amnesty for illegal immigrants. They back up the claim with a video from June 2010 that shows Askins responding to a question about the Dream Act, a bill that allows for a conditional path to citizenship for young illegal immigrants.

“Yes, I don’t have to explain it. Yes,” Askins responded at the time.

The Askins camp said the quote was taken out of context and that any sensible immigration reform would have to include a path to citizenship.

The ad also claims Askins supported state funding to pay for illegal immigrants’ health care.

That’s misleading.

The ad cites a 2006 article by the Tulsa World. The Askins quote only says “that without provisions for health care, more illegal immigrants will be forced into emergency rooms” where others will bear the cost.

An Askins spokesperson says that’s just a fact, not an endorsement.

The Lieutenant Governor says this is all a ploy to tie her campaign to an unpopular president she’s never met. Her campaign said the federal government has repeatedly failed to act on immigration reform, and as governor, Jari Askins would lobby for that to change.

The campaign also said this is an attempt to federalize an Oklahoma campaign and the issues that face our state such as education, jobs, a balanced budget, are not addressed.

News On 6 reporter Ashli Sims called the Mary Fallin’s campaign. But a spokesperson says he isn’t commenting, because it’s not their ad.

Check out NewsOn6.com/politics for the latest on Campaign 2010.

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September 8, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sid Hudson
Phone: 405-630-5148
Email: sid@jariaskins.com

Askins Campaign Responds to Washington-Based Attack Ad

OKLAHOMA CITY — In a recent television ad funded by a Washington, D.C. based special interest group, Jari Askins is attacked for supporting legislation that received bipartisan support and has since garnered the approval of Oklahoma’s fiercest opponents of illegal immigration.

Sid Hudson, Campaign Manager for Jari Askins, released the following statement earlier today:

“I’m disappointed, but not surprised that the first television ad from Mary Fallin’s Washington friends is the politics as usual, partisan smear campaign that we’ve come to expect out of Washington, D.C.

“Before Congresswoman Fallin broadcast even a single positive television ad in the general, her special interest allies in Washington are desperately distorting Lt. Governor Askins’ record and trying to tell the voters of Oklahoma how to vote in this very close race.

“In the bill highlighted in the ad, Jari joined an overwhelming and bipartisan majority of legislators in supporting a bill that set standards for college admissions and required that undocumented students report themselves to immigration officials and seek to legalize their immigration status.

“The so-called liberal bill was coauthored by Republicans and Democrats, and even HB 1804, one of the toughest immigration laws in the country, specifically protected this policy.

“Oklahomans understand the problems created by Washington politicians and powerful special interests and are looking for real Oklahoma solutions by an experienced leader they can trust. Jari Askins understands it is the Oklahoma way – not the Washington, D.C. way – that will provide the clear roadmap to successfully addressing the challenging problems facing our state.”

PAID FOR BY FRIENDS FOR JARI 2010

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By Roger Pugh

Excerpt from the Piedmont Surrey Gazette

“While you are taking risks, making this an exciting place, and being involved, stop and give directions,” Lt. Gov. Jari Askins advised the audience at the Piedmont Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet Saturday.

She made the suggestion while keynoting the banquet and telling the audience about a chef at an exclusive Oklahoma City hotel who decided to come to Oklahoma solely based on how friendly Oklahomans were when he visited here and asked for directions.

She said a job had fallen through for the chef in Memphis, and someone suggested he look at the Oklahoma City job.  She explained he saw no reason to come here, but at someone’s suggestion, he decided to check out the area and the job.

“When you get there, go out and ask six people how to get to Bricktown,” Askins said the chef later told her of the advice he received.  She said he did ask several people when he arrived, and was taken at how warmly they responded to him.

The Lt. Gov., who is a candidate for Governor, said she enjoys getting out of Oklahoma City and coming to towns such as Piedmont.  She indicated she gets new ideas on these visits and finds out what is on the minds of citizens.

“It’s where we can find ways to solve problems,” she noted.

Askins said she has been to Piedmont on a number of occasions, including a visit here last July when the Dignity Vietnam Memorial Wall came to town.

She also noted that Piedmont Mayor Mike Fina is her Chief of Staff at the Lt. Governor’s office.

“I often start to discuss a problem with Mike, and he’ll tell me here’s how we solved it in Piedmont,” Askins told the gathering.

She noted another Piedmont resident, Patrick Cameron, is working on her campaign for Governor, and she also acknowledged former State Rep. Rob Johnson, who was present Saturday.  Johnson’s wife works in Askins’ office and he is the son of St. Sen. Mike Johnson, who represents Piedmont.  Sen. Johnson is leaving office this year and Rob Johnson is seeking his dad’s Senate seat.

Askins lauded the Chamber for using local businesses as much as possible and for involving local young people in its activities, such as the banquet.

“Do you know how many banquets I attend and find that the caterer is from somewhere else,” she asked.

“If you are going to support your community, you must support them (local businesses),” Askins explained.

On involving local youth in civic activities, Askins estimated that only about 20 percent of the Banquets she attends involve local youth in the festivities.

“That’s a mistake,” she said.  “These young people are going to be in the community and a part of it, and you molded civic responsibility by involving your youth,” the Lt. Gov. explained.

She acknowledged the growing pains Piedmont is experiencing and said she had some towns similar to Piedmont in her district when she served in the State House of Representatives as a legislator from Duncan.

“It is important for the Piedmonts and Duncans and other towns to be strong,” Askins proclaimed while congratulating Piedmont on the probable landing of a grocery store for the community.

“Some of the towns in my (former) legislative district will never get a grocery store,” she lamented.

Askins praised the chamber for recognizing outstanding performance in the community.

At the banquet, the chamber recognized and honored several businesses and individuals for their contributions to Piedmont the past year or years. . .

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Contact Mike Fina
Office: 405.521.6059
Mobile: 405.606.1028
Mike.fina@ltgov.ok.gov

Lt. Governor Askins to Present Proclamation
at Marlow Football Game

OKLAHOMA CITY — At halftime of the Marlow High School football game this Friday versus Lone Grove Lt. Governor Jari Askins will present a Governor’s Proclamation. It will officially designate Friday as Bill Carter Day in Oklahoma. Carter, 88, lives in Marlow and is retiring from a successful career as an athlete in the Seniors’ Pentathlon competition. Carter has also made significant contributions to his community, coaching youth sports and becoming involved in scouting.

Kickoff for the game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Marlow High School football field.

-30-

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One thing’s for sure: in Oklahoma we love football!  This past week the Askins Campaign launched Sooners for Jari and Cowboys for Jari on Facebook and we’ll have t-shirts available at both tailgates on Saturday.
If you’re a Sooner for Jari we’d love to meet you at the corner of Lindsey and Asp in Norman where we’ll have burgers and dogs!

If you’re a Cowboy for Jari you can join us in Space 65 on the south side outside Boone Pickens Stadium for hotdogs and fun!

Stop by and show your support for Jari and for Oklahoma Football this Saturday!
Russell Griffin
Field Director, Askins for Governor

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Area leaders share concerns

Toni Hopper The Duncan Banner

DUNCAN — In 2005, the Defense Base, Realignment and Closure Commission issued a list of military bases that would face closure.

Fort Sill was not on that list and for southwest Oklahoma leaders, that indicated some positive changes could be forthcoming. Now five years later, military leaders, politicians and business leaders from throughout southwest Oklahoma spent Friday morning at the Simmons Center with one mission in mind.

To continue a collaborative effort for the future and make sure that no Oklahoma bases end up on the next list, expected to be issued within the next five to eight years. Fort Sill Commanding Maj. General David D. Halverson was among the leaders at the forum.

Among those at  the forum were several candidates, including Duncan’s own Lt. Gov. Jari Askins who is running for governor of the State of Oklahoma. Others also at the forum were Congresswoman Mary Fallin, and Lt. Gov. candidates Todd Lamb and Kenneth Corn, and Superintendent of Public Instruction candidates Susan Paddack and Janet Barresi. Each candidate was allowed to speak, and there were  questions for them to answer.

While much was shared about the progress of building southwest Oklahoma in terms of meeting the military families’ needs, through infrastructure, economy and education, concern was voiced by Askins and the other candidates about ways to deal with a state shortfall that is expected to be more than $1 billion in the upcoming year.

“We as a state have an obligation to help support to keep those bases in our state,” Askins said.

Fallin told the crowd that Oklahoma gained many jobs when the 2005 BRAC announcement was made.

Tied into those comments was the fact that the military bases in Oklahoma have an estimated $6 billion annual impact on the state’s economy. It was also pointed out that Oklahoma is the only state to have not lost a military facility to BRAC orders.

Jennifer Tipton, moderator of the event, issued questions during the forum to the candidates. One of those went right to the issue of Oklahoma’s infrastructures in the rural communities.

“Southwest Oklahoma has not received any monies allocated for infrastructure improvement,” Tipton addressed Askins and Fallin.

Fallin said a solid infrastructure is important to attract jobs as an area grows and talked about Rural Economic Action Plan benefits. Duncan and Lawton do not receive REAP funding.

Askins tackled the issue with ownership, “The State needs to change the way we do the budget process.” She also said the budget needs to be addressed at the beginning of a session and not at the end in May.

She addressed the growth issue in southwest Oklahoma and the lack of funding available for infrastructure. And Fallin said there is an $11 million backlog of road project needs.

All candidates were asked how they felt about State Question 744, which if passed, would provide more funding for public schools. But it’s a tricky issue and most of the candidates seemed in agreement that voting no would be the better option in the rough economic climate.

Askins and Fallin both noted that without additional revenue to offset SQ 744, it would cause hardship on other state services, such as law enforcement, and also the military bases. Lamb, Corn, Baressi and Paddack also indicated that with a projected $1 billion plus revenue shortfall, SQ 744 isn’t something that will work at this time. They did all agree that more funding is needed, but not in the manner proposed.

While the forum’s focus was centered on the military presence in Oklahoma, and the candidate’s stance on various issues, the one thing that everyone seemed to agree upon was that all southwest Oklahoma communities, whether rural, like Elgin or Central High, or larger like Duncan, Lawton and Altus, needed to continue to show a unified effort for progress of the region.

— Toni Hopper is a reporter for The Duncan Banner. She can be reached at 580-255-5354, Ext. 132 or by e-mail at: toni.hopper@duncanbanner.com.

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Dear Friends,

I wanted you to be the first to know that we have received our latest shipment of yard signs!  If you need another sign or know some friends or neighbors who want signs please let us know!

We also wanted to thank all of you who have signed up to volunteer to help Jari around the state. It was our “Get Out the Vote” operation that paved the way for our victory in July and it will be with help from people like you that we’ll win in November.

But, one of the most important ways our supporters have helped has been through word of mouth.  Jari said at an event last night that people will vote for us because they will trust what their friends have said about our campaign.  Your impact goes further than just your own vote.

You create the ripples that go farther than we ever can.  We need you to be those pebbles that create those ripples.  You can tell your friends about Jari’s positive message for Oklahoma’s future by clicking here.

Thank you for your continued support and for all that you have done to get us to this point.

Russell Griffin
Field Director, Askins for Governor

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