Lt. Governor Jari Askins just sent out an email about a recent endorsement from the Elk City Daily News which endorsed her late last week. Publisher Larry Wade is known for always endorsing first but he's also most known for his spot on endorsements as he came out early for current Governor Brad Henry and former Governor David Boren.
From Askins Email
"Mr. Wade is not only a highly respected publisher of long standing, he seems to have a unique ability to pick winners who are dedicated to government reform, bipartisanship, and fiscal responsibility. . .
As Larry reminds us, his paper was the first to endorse David Boren and Brad Henry for Governor. I like the company he keeps and am proud to join it!"
Lt. Governor Askins has posted the endorsement on her website for those who want to read it - the Daily News is not available online.
"By Elk City Daily News Publisher Larry Wade
Oklahomans will have the opportunity to select nominees and the next governor in 2010.
We have surveyed the field and come to conclusions that there is a person of great ability and stature who is the kind of person who can ably lead this state for the next 4-year term and that is Lieutenant Governor Jari Askins. Jari Askins has the broadest range of experience of any of the candidates of either party.
This includes service for 12 years in the Oklahoma House of Representatives from her home area in and around Duncan and Stephens County.
It includes her leadership of the Democrat Caucus in that House.
It includes her service as a Special District Judge in Stephens County. It includes her service on the Pardon and Parole Board and for time as its first woman Chairman and then as Director of Pardon and Parole Board.
It includes her service as Deputy Counsel to a Governor.
It includes her background with her family with the Stephens County Abstract operation.
She holds a bachelors degree in Journalism from OU and a law degree from there as well.
Her family hails from Sayre and she has roots that are solid.
She has been state President of P.E.O.
She was been honored numerous times with various awards for her public service.
Jari Askins has faithfully supported Gov. Henry in his administration and has also traveled to every section of the state building bridges of understanding and gathering knowledge about our people and their hopes and dreams.
As a legislator she worked well not just within her party but in bipartisan ways and earned respect of all on both sides of the political aisle.
She is the kind of leader who brings people together to deal with problems and who has proved that she works to build consensus.
She has been a special advocate for children and for efficiency in state government and has been appointed by Gov. Henry as "Oklahoma’s Small Business Advocate."
Her experience is broad. Her mind is keen. Her integrity is spotless. Her heart is good.
Jari Askins is a person of character and strength. Having looked at the field we believe she is clearly the person in the position to serve the people of Oklahoma as a strong Governor for the next term and we do endorse her candidacy for the Democrat nomination and hopefully for election to succeed Gov. Brad Henry."
The email also asks to join her online campaign which has been a great way to participate especially for rural Oklahomans. Twitter, Facebook, MySpace.
Crossposted from BlueOklahoma