Oklahoma Democrats Need 2010 Governor Win

by: DocHoc

Tue Feb 10, 2009 at 20:29:52 PM CST

U.S. Reps. Mary Fallin and Tom Cole said they are contemplating running for governor in 2010.

The Republicans, pictured right, join Democrats Drew Edmondson, Oklahoma Attorney General, and Jari Askins, Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor, in publicly announcing they may run for the position. Current Gov. Grad Henry finishes his second and last term in 2010.

All four potential candidates have solid name recognition throughout the state and could run competitive races depending on the particular political circumstances in 2010.

If Republicans capture the governor's seat and maintain their majorities in the Oklahoma House and Senate, the state will obviously become even more conservative in its politics.   This could isolate the state even more from the national political scene and further damage its image.  This, in turn, could hurt economic development.

The Republican fiscal ideology of the last eight years--many would say the last three decades--has been soundly repudiated and rejected, but this won't stop conservatives here from clinging to failed ideas.

The economy may well be the major issue in 2010, but the state's biased, corporate media, including The Oklahoman, which serves as a propaganda ministry for the GOP, will spin events and facts to favor conservative candidates.  Watch the media here, for example, try to rewrite the disastrous Bush presidency as the months go on and as President Barack Obama attempts to revive the economy and restore the country's world stature.

The larger questions loom: How can Democrats stop the continuing conservative juggernaut in Oklahoma? Is it even possible given the state's low college education levels, its right-wing religious folks and ultra-conservative corporate media?  If it's not possible, then what are the best strategies for Democrats to make a difference in their Oklahoma communities? How does the state's continuing brain drain affect the political situation?

Here is a poll about a possible Fallin/Cole match in the Republican primary. (You can find a poll about the potential Democratic candidates here.) Feel free to leave a comment.

(Update: State Sen. Randy Brodgon, also a Republican, has said he may run for governor as well.)

(This was initially posted on Okie Funk.--Kurt Hochenauer)