TAHLEQUAH — Along with sharing a border, Oklahoma and New Mexico will gain a second commonality come November: For the first time in history, both states will elect a woman as governor.

Lt. Gov. Jari Askins, a Democrat, and Congresswoman Mary Fallin, Republican, will face off in November, after winning last month’s primary elections.

Fallin, a self-professed lifelong conservative, has 19 years’ public service under her belt. She was first elected in 1990 as a state legislator, and became the first woman and first Republican lieutenant governor in 1995, a position she held for 12 years. In 2006, Fallin was elected to the U.S. Congress, a position she still holds.

Like Fallin, Askins is arguably a trailblazer. She was the first Democratic woman elected lieutenant governor; the first woman to become Democratic leader of the Oklahoma House of Representative; the first woman to be elected as state representative from southwest Oklahoma; and the first woman chairman of the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board.

She has served in all three branches of state government, and before becoming active in the Legislature, was a special district judge and deputy general counsel to the governor.

Both Askins and Fallin participated in the gubernatorial candidate forum at Northeastern State University on July 21, where they fielded questions from local voters on issues of concern.

Askins and Fallin agreed one of Oklahoma’s best resources is its people, and they’re needed to help pull the state out of its economic slump.

Askins said she’d like to see progress in the aerospace program, and focus the state’s national defense contracts to improve the economy.

Fallin pointed out that lack of education among Oklahomans contributes to the state’s high incarceration rate, and she’d work to expand faith-based rehabilitation programs and drug courts.

Cherokee County Republican Party Chairman Gary Gore attended the forum, and said both Askins and Fallin performed well.

“Of course, I support Fallin,” said Gore. “And not just for reasons of straight-party politics. I like her stance on the issue of guns, that a biggie, and I would like to see a good, strong conservative team in the governor’s office. I believe she and [Republican Lt. Gov. candidate] Todd Lamb would make a good team because of what I’ve heard them say about getting jobs to Oklahoma. I’d like to see the same party in both positions.”

In an article Fallin wrote for Edmond Life and Leisure in March, she stated she supports “aggressive firearms safety efforts in addition to Oklahoma’s sensible laws protecting the basic rights of law-abiding citizens to own and use firearms.” Fallin fought against U.S. House Resolution 45, which would required gun owners to provide a photo, thumbprint and address when purchasing a gun.

In an interview with The Oklahoman, Askins indicated she, too, is a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, and will oppose restrictions on a citizen’s right to bear arms.

Gore believes Fallin’s strengths are her experience and her communication skills.

“While the experience in Washington, D.C., has served her well, I think she’s burned out on national politics and is ready to make changes at home,” said Gore.

Gore also said the race will ultimately be decided by voter turnout, noting that Cherokee County had fewer than 30 percent of registered voters participate in the primary.

“I think the closeness of the race will depend on voter turnout, and how the independents vote,” he said. “I think it will all go back to grassroots efforts and who turns out the vote. There are some who vote strictly party line, and don’t necessarily educate themselves on the individual candidates. Knowledge is power and the truth, these days, is hard to come by. Research is required to make an informed decision.”

Former District Attorney Dianne Barker-Harrold, a Democrat, said she will be supporting Askins. She met Askins her first year as DA.

“My first year as district attorney was Jari Askins’ first year as state representative for her area,” said Barker-Harrold. “District attorneys spend a considerable amount of time at the state capitol when there is legislation proposed that is of interest to them, and that is where I met Jari Askins. She was always available and willing to listen. She has experience on the pardon and parole board and as a judge, so it gave her a great perspective for DA issues.”

Barker-Harrold also believes Askins will work hard to “reach across the aisle” if elected governor.

“I watched her ... work out compromises on a number of issues,” she said. “She has proved to be a hard worker, open to ideas and aggressive in her pursuit of her political aspirations, which all are to benefit the state of Oklahoma, yet she comes from a very close-knit family. That strong family base has kept her grounded and in touch with every day Oklahomans throughout her political career. I consider her a friend and look forward to her serving as our governor.”

Gore said while he has nothing against Askins, he believes it’s time for conservative leadership.

“Askins is a very likable, lovely lady, and that will go far for her,” he said. “I don’t know anyone who says they dislike her. I just want to see a good Republican team. We’ve had Democrats for decades, and I’d like to see what the conservatives can do.”

Area resident Kathy Tibbits commented on the historical significance of the race, saying she’s proud to see generations of feminism finally paying off in one of the last frontiers. She didn’t reveal which candidate would earn her vote.

Tibbits also pointed out both candidates are reaching beyond Oklahoma’s border to raise campaign funds.

“Mary Fallin is doing an efficient job at collecting money, and her supporters have given twice as much in the first round as Askins’ supporters,” said Tibbits. “About half of Fallin’s money is coming from political action committees, not just in Oklahoma but also from other parts of the country. In the final days of the last vote, Askins took $22,000 of Arkansas poultry money. So both of these candidates are reaching outside of Oklahoma. I think, as voters, we’d like to expect the best from external campaign donors, because it would be illegal to garner funds in trade for a governor’s promise.”

Tibbits thinks Fallin will earn most of the Tea Party votes, which makes her attractive on the Republican ticket. But, she pointed out, Oklahomans have historically elected a Democrat as governor.

“Historically, most voters make up their minds in the last two weeks, and so mid-October is when the real showdown begins,” she said. “I’d just like to encourage everyone to get registered as a voter so they can be a part of the Nov. 2 election.