The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

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  • Republican Congresswoman and Gubernatorial Candidate Mary Fallin spoke Friday afternoon at the Enid Noon AMBUCS lunch at Northern Oklahoma College. (Staff Photo by SHAWN YORKS)

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January 15, 2010

Oklahoma congresswoman seeks Republican nomination for governor

By Kasey Fowler, Staff Writer Enid News and Eagle

ENID — Mary Fallin said Friday her political experience makes her the right candidate to be Oklahoma’s next governor.

Fallin, currently U.S. representative for the 5th Congressional District, was in town to speak with Noon AMBUCS members and guests at Northern Okla-homa College Enid’s Gantz Center.

“I am thrilled to be back in Ok-lahoma and to hopefully become the next governor of this great state,” she said. “I care deeply about the state and I care deeply about the people.”

Fallin emphasized her extensive experience as a fiscally conservative Republi-can. She has been a state representative, lieutenant governor and congresswoman.

“It is an extremely important time in history with lots of important policies right now,” Fallin said. “I decided to come back home and work toward the future of Okla-homa.”

Fallin said she thought Oklahoma was doing well but could be doing better.

“I believe though we are in a recession, Oklahoma can be the shining star and example for the rest of the nation,” she said.

Important issues for Fallin are education and getting companies to move to Oklahoma and create jobs.

“I have six children between my husband and I,” she said. “I want them to get a good education and a job so I don’t have to support them. We need to be sure our students get the education they need. We need to have more college graduates and also high school graduates. We have way too many drop-outs. I love to recruit businesses, and I am going to do everything possible to be sure they can prosper.”

The state budget was another issue Fallin address-ed during her talk.

“I don’t like that funding was cut to senior nutrition programs or cuts to domestic violence programs,” she said. “Tough decisions have to be made but we need to be sure our money is going to essential programs.”

Fallin said she did not like the budget cuts being across the board for all agencies.

“I’ve been in office long enough to see three booms and busts. We have challenges in the next years. I think we should do targeted cuts, not just across the board,” she said.

Other issues raised during the meeting included health care and support for small businesses.

“I can make a commitment to you today: You won’t find someone who will work harder,” Fallin said.

State Sen. Randy Brog-don, R-Owasso, also is seeking the GOP nomination for governor. Democrats Lt. Gov. Jari Askins and Attorney General Drew Edmondson also are running.

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