Fallin touts economics, Dorman points to education agenda
Published: October 5th, 2014
In the Thursday (Oct. 3) gubernatorial debate, Republican Gov. Mary Fallin touted the state’s strong economy, while decrying what her campaign termed “Joe Dorman’s liberal ideology.” For his part, Dorman pointed to his intentions to boost public education funding and to trash the A-F grading system.
Gov. Fallin cited 100,000 net jobs she says were created during her administration, a 15 percent per capita income growth, and restoration of the state’s Rainy Day Fund as evidence that her leadership has helped turn the state around.
The incumbent also said she was “the only conservative in the race,” emphasizing her opposition to Obamacare and willingness to stand up to the federal government.
Rep. Dorman countered with a focus on his intentions to improve education and “be a governor for all Oklahomans.”
“Oklahomans saw the stark differences between Mary Fallin and myself this evening. We simply cannot allow Fallin to continue her failed policies and prioritize political expediency above the best interests of Oklahomans, especially those students who do not have a voice championing for them,” the Rush Springs
Democrat said in a post-debate release.
“Oklahoma’s economy is moving in the right direction; we have eliminated hundreds of millions of dollars in government waste; and we are standing up to Washington when they force bad policies on the people of Oklahoma. I’m glad I was able to highlight not just my record of accomplishment tonight, but an
‘Oklahoma Success Story’ I’m proud to have been a part of these last few years.”
“I’m a conservative. I oppose Obamacare and its expansion in Oklahoma, and I fought against the billions of dollars in Medicare cuts included in the law. I’ve stood up to the president and Washington on illegal immigration and on the kinds of overregulation that hurt businesses here in Oklahoma.
Meanwhile, my opponent is an Obamacare supporter who subscribes to the kind of tax and spend ideology that has created a deficit and debt crisis on the federal level and in many states around the country. Those aren’t conservative values or Oklahoma values,” Fallin continued.
The chief executive called attention to recent endorsements from conservative leaders and a sequence of private sector job announcements, including Boeing’s 900 new positions promised in Oklahoma City, and a $45 million paper mill investment in Valliant, in southeast Oklahoma.
Fallin said she hopes her opponent will focus on a more positive message for the rest of the campaign.
“My opponent looked frustrated and angry tonight. I hope we can take the rest of this campaign to present our positive visions for Oklahoma’s future, rather than engage in the kind of angry mudslinging we saw from him today.”
“This debate clearly showed Fallin’s inability to talk about real issues and glosses over her failures. For the last four years she has supported State Superintendent Janet Barresi and continued that support tonight through championing her failed education policies. Fallin again showed how insincere she is toward Oklahoma’s education system in the name of political gain,” said Dorman.
“We heard Fallin tout her failed A-F grading system and the benefit of high stakes testing to the detriment of our students, all while claiming she supports Oklahoma’s education system. What we didn’t hear was a sincere promise from the Governor to fix the failed policies she and Barresi enacted over the last four years.”
Dorman continued, “As your governor, I will work with teachers, parents, administrators and college professors to eliminate high stakes testing – ensuring every Oklahoma student has an opportunity to achieve their highest potential. My Classrooms First plan will provide real funds directly to the classroom.”
“A well-rounded education system not only provides the necessary tools and resources in the classroom, but provides additional opportunities for students to continue to develop beyond high school. Whether that is seeking a degree from one of Oklahoma’s many quality higher education institutions, acquiring a skill for a trade through our renowned CareerTech system, or heading straight to the workforce, my plan provides clear leadership and direction for our future generations.
I will be a governor for all Oklahomans, not just a select few,” concluded Dorman.
Fallin said she hopes Dorman will have on a more positive message for the rest of the campaign.
“My opponent looked frustrated and angry. … I hope we can take the rest of this campaign to present our positive visions for Oklahoma’s future, rather than engage in the kind of angry mudslinging we saw from him (Thursday).”