Gubernatorial hopefuls thrash out state's issues at forum

Oklahoma gubernatorial contenders discuss views during forum in Enid.

BY MICHAEL MCNUTT | Published: July 8, 2010 Comment on this article

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The four Republican and two Democratic candidates who have participated in more than a dozen events together during the past year were respectful during the 90-minute debate that drew more than 100 at the Autry Technology Center.

When the contenders were asked what could be done about health conditions in the state, U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin, R-Oklahoma City, used her opposition to President Barack Obama's health care law to get a charge out of the residents of Garfield County, which like all the other counties in the state didn't support the Democratic president in 2008's election.

"One of the things that will really hurt Oklahoma's health is Obama's health care plan,” she said, drawing applause. "If I were governor right now, I would challenge the constitutionality of that bill.”

Fallin's comment could be seen as a dig against Attorney General Drew Edmondson, a Democratic gubernatorial contender, who decided against joining a lawsuit to block the federal health care law.

The rest of the responses mostly stayed in line with the questions.

State Sen. Randy Brogdon, R-Owasso, who is a former mayor and Owasso city councilman, said the state should eliminate unfunded mandates and keep its distance.

"The state should absolutely stay away from city government,” said Brogdon, who is giving up his Senate seat to run for governor.

Democratic Lt.

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