Why I’m Running
“Oklahoma Rising” Jari Askins for Governor
When Lt. Governor Jari Askins became the first to announce as a candidate for governor in 2010, she echoed the confidence heard in Oklahoma Rising, Oklahoma’s official centennial song:
“We’re Oklahoma risin’ brighter than a star. Stand up and sing about her, let the world know who we are.”
Sworn in as Lt. Governor at the beginning of Oklahoma’s celebration of 100 years of statehood, Jari would soon hear the song and sing along with it at dozens of Centennial events. To Jari, the inspiring words and music of Oklahoma-born artists Vince Gill and Jimmy Webb present every Oklahoman with a challenge to honor the past while building a better future.
Remarks by Lt. Governor Jari Askins
Upon her Announcement for Governor
January 15, 2009
Lt. Governor Askins with her brother and sister.
“Today, I am humbly and respectfully asking Oklahomans to choose me as their next governor. I am asking for the honor and the responsibility that come with that office.
The honor is obvious but the responsibility is much more important.
I am fortunate to have been elected Lt. Governor right before Oklahoma’s 100th anniversary as a state. At every centennial event I attended, I was reminded of the heritage we share as Oklahomans.
I was filled with pride the first time I heard the Vince Gill/Jimmy Webb song, “Oklahoma Rising.”
The words reminded me of how far we have come, how much further we have to go and the strength and determination we share as Oklahomans to face the future in the same way we have faced and overcome every challenge in the past.
If we are to achieve that goal, we have a lot to accomplish. The work will be hard, but hard work is not unfamiliar to us. As Oklahomans, many of us started with little more than opportunity and the strength and determination we inherited from our ancestors.
As President Kennedy said, quoting from the Gospel of St. Luke, “To those whom much is given, much is required.”
I think what is required of us, as Oklahomans, is to honor our past with an unfailing dedication and determination to build a better future for ourselves and those who follow.
Looking back, we have every reason to be proud of what we have accomplished as Oklahomans. Looking forward, we know there is so much more work to be done.
While we have made great progress in education, we cannot afford to rest. We need better schools and more college graduates. We need to make college more affordable, not less.
Far too many Oklahoma children are going to bed hungry and without health care. There are tens of thousands while even one is too many.
Too many tax dollars are wasted because too little attention is paid to details of the state budget.
Too much opportunity for progress is lost in the pursuit of partisan advantage.
I think our best governors have been those who set partisan politics aside in the best interest of Oklahoma. Governors Brad Henry, David Boren, George Nigh and Henry Bellmon are great examples I intend to follow.
Make no mistake. I am a Democrat and my first step on this long journey is to win the Democratic nomination for governor but I fully understand that, if we are to “rise up to be best” we now more than ever, must set partisan politics aside.
In asking you to make me your governor, I begin with the deep love we share for Oklahoma and an iron-clad commitment, with your help, to make us recognized as a state that cannot be held back.
We have an opportunity to lead the way in renewable energy, medical research, aerospace, government reform and much more. All we need is determined, bipartisan and tireless leadership.
That’s what I offer and promise.”
Popularity: 100% [?]
I did not really know about Jeri and her work for Oklahoma, until I had the opportunity to hear her speak one year at the commencement ceremony at the college where I work. I was so impressed with her speech that I got online to look up more about her. I have been an avid fan and supporter ever since and look forward to helping her on her journey toward the governorship of the State of Oklahoma.
I came to know Jari when she came down to Latimer county to attend a Democratic event when she was campaigning for Lt. Governor. She was as down to earth as the Oklahoma ‘red dirt’ Soil! What an extremely intelligent woman with a life full of accomplishments in public service. After learning about her story, and the contributions she’s made on behalf of the citizens of our State, I was truly inspired. She inspired me to get involved and do more for my community, and help others all that I could. So, in January of 2007, I announced my candidacy for Mayor of my home city, Wilburton Oklahoma. In April I was elected as Oklahoma’s youngest Mayor at age 22 at that present time. I still serve as Mayor, and am proud to do so. Jari Askins inspired me to step outside of the box and go the extra mile to serve my community. I Thank her for that, and I wish her luck in the election for Governor. Those of you that visit this website, and don’t know Lt. Governor Askins owe it to yourselves to research and meet one of the finest individuals public service has ever known, you will be glad you did.
I had never met Lt. Gov. Askins until she was on hand to speak and congratulate and present certificates of completion for Oklahoma County Clerks. I found her to be very approachable and very well spoken. I cant wait to call hr Governor Askins.
I’m certainly going to campaign for Jeri. It’s time for a woman to be governor.
I wish to serve in her campaign as a vollentier in any capacity where I may be of real help. At this time I have two good pickups and a good trailer. Having lived in Oklahoma county 66 yrs I know lots of people who vote regularly an am an experienced grassroots guy. 27 years in state goverment gave me a working knowledge of hard working men & women across the state. Please have campaign staff contact me
ASAP when I can help in any way. I am retired and have the time and
want to make a difference.
Lt. Gov. Askins took the time out of her busy day to meet with my young Cub Scout Pack and Boy Scout Troop about state government. It’s nice to see someone who cares greatly about the future of Oklahoma, not just today, tomorrow but twenty years down the road. It seems that so many politicians are what they can do now to better themselves instead of looking to they can do for our future. Oklahoma’s future is in the hands of our kids for they are our future leaders of this great state. I feel the Askins will fight hard to make a better future for Oklahoma.
Good Luck in the election.
Michael F.
Born, Raised & Hard Working Oklahoman
I’m looking foward to hearing what all the candidates have to say over the next few months. More than ever, it is time to keep an open mind and really listen to each candidate – Republican or Democrat.
Dear Jari,
Tuesday, June 15th, the Prague Chamber of Commerce will hold a “Political Rally and Pie Auction in the Park” featuring candidates for office at the local and state level and you are invited to attend and speak.
More details will be forthcoming as the planning progresses but we plan a fun evening in the Prague Park from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Bring your supporters, your literature and you’re best 4-5 minute speech and plan on meeting folks from the greater Prague Area.
The Chamber will supply the pies, entertainment, tables for the candidates supporters and literature, sound system and flatbed trailer from which the music and speeches will be given. We look forward to having you in our community, but speaking times and order is first come first serve.
RSVP by calling 405-567-2616 or email us at praguecoc@windstream.net with your commitment to attend and your first, second and third preference for speaking time. The format will be individual candidates speaking- not a debate format-this is a fun and friendly event for everyone.
Thank you for your desire to make our community and our state even better.
See you in the Park,
Bill Tackett
Prague Chamber of Commerce President
I would just like to echo some of the comments that I viewed previously by other Oklahomans. Additionally, I have been very impressed by the visibility of Lt. Governor Askins during her current term as Lt. Governor of Oklahoma. She has been a very positive state leader and hasn’t started to dwell on negativity as can be seen on another candidates website. What a breath of fresh air! I have seen Jari Askins many times this past year including, not only political events, but at the women’s softball national tournament, Oklahoma Women’s basketball games, festivals and the list goes on. She is not afraid to get out and mingle with Oklahomans . . . on her own quality time. This in itself speaks of the kind of person she is! Good Luck Lt. Governor Askins!
Jari Askins has always been a very down to earth person. She has been approachable, and friendly since my first memory of her in 2000. She is the best candidate to be our Governor! Want Oklahoma to continue to rise? Oklahomans need Jari Askins.
I can’t find out where to pick ip signs
You can sign up for a sign on our website here:
http://su.pr/3EGLRS
I have known Jari all my life and I guarantee she is the most honest, intelligent and hard-working person you will ever meet. She will make Oklahoma a great governor.
I met Jari many years ago when she was a judge in Duncan, OK. She was never too busy to step in and play small roles with Duncan Little Theatre, and that’s where I met her–back stage. I am a Republican, but I will vote for Jari in November as the most intelligent, thoughtful, candidate who cares about small towns in our state.
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Contact
PO Box 890665
Oklahoma City, OK
73189-0665
405-237-7003
866-749-8536 toll-free
Contact the campaign here.
Tulsa Office: 2104 E. 15th St. 918-574-2111
Duncan Office: 822 W. Willow 580-255-5505
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