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.
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