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November 24, 2009

BENCH SITTIN' — Askins shows mastery of state’s financial situation

By Randy Cowling, Managing Editor

November 24, 2009 — First impressions are significant. When it comes to politicians those initial encounters can make or break a campaign.

When Lt. Gov. Jari Askins visited Claremore last week, she made the rounds with friendly fellow Democrats, inquiring university students and members of the business community.

She spent more than an hour with Rogers State University students before speaking at the monthly Claremore Chamber luncheon.

Askins is one of four candidates for governor. The Democrat is running against Attorney General Drew Edmondson. U. S. Rep. Mary Fallin and state Sen. Randy Brogdon are vying for the Republican nomination.

Askins’ visit to Claremore comes in the midst of a financial free-fall. State officials have been dishing out more appropriation cuts than a short order cook at a greasy spoon.

It’s a tough time to be running for office, especially for governor.

Askins, who has served in the legislator and is a two-term Lt. Governor, is in the middle of most financial talks. In her role as Gov. Brad Henry’s second-in-command she sits on the Board of Equalization. Word from Henry’s office today indicates he wants to wait until that board meets just before Christmas before deciding on if he will call a special legislative session to deal with the state’s dire budget situation.

Askins did not have a clear opinion on whether that special session should come sooner or later.

However, she did command intense knowledge of the situation. She believes before any round-up of legislators is to be made, some sort of a deal needs to be struck between the Senate, House and Henry.

With a minimum of five days needed to pass any bill, Askins said no one wants any delays in coming to a solution. If the legislators meet for one week it will cost between $80,000 to $100,000.

So Askins believes legislators need to know what they will be discussing before arriving so they can make the most of their time.

She knows the impact the shortages are having and sees the need to protect education and corrections. Her mastery of the issues surrounding the state’s financial woes was impressive.

First impressions do shape voters and Askins made a good one.

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