© 2024 KGOU
News and Music for Oklahoma
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Follow national trends and look behind the scenes with NPR Politics on Tumblr

Gubernatorial Race Closer Than Expected

This year’s gubernatorial race between Gov. Mary Fallin and Democratic challenger Joe Dorman is closer than expected. One poll shows Dorman has narrowed the gap among likely voters, although Fallin retains a double-digit lead. Analysts say Fallin is running on the economy, while Dorman is stressing education in his campaign.

Democrat Joe Dorman says he knew facing an incumbent Republican in a solidly red state meant he would have to find and exploit a weakness if he hoped to defeat Republican Gov. Mary Fallin.

Fallin has never lost an election during her political career and has a roughly 5-to-1 fundraising edge over Dorman.

Dorman believes he's found Fallin's weakness in education policy. He hopes to tap into voter frustration as a result of policies pushed by Fallin and the Republican-controlled Legislature. These include an A-F grading system for schools, high-stakes reading tests for third graders, and the repeal of Common Core standards.

Meanwhile, Fallin says education will be a priority of her second term and stresses Oklahoma's economy that includes decreasing unemployment and increases in personal income and state revenue.

-----

KGOU is a community-supported news organization and relies on contributions from readers and listeners to fulfill its mission of public service to Oklahoma and beyond. Donate online, or by contacting our Membership department.

The Associated Press is one of the largest and most trusted sources of independent newsgathering, supplying a steady stream of news to its members, international subscribers and commercial customers. AP is neither privately owned nor government-funded; instead, it's a not-for-profit news cooperative owned by its American newspaper and broadcast members.
The Oklahoma Educational Television Authority (OETA) is a statewide network that provides a diverse fare of public television programs to viewers across Oklahoma and in surrounding states.
More News
Support nonprofit, public service journalism you trust. Give now.