Elections 2010: Oklahoma gubernatorial elections 2010: Askins takes fundraising lead

Askins narrowly overtook Fallin for the first time in the governor's race as the contenders stepped up fundraising efforts to buy ads and finance campaign operations in the days leading up to next week's general election.

Askins reported raising $1.5 million during the most recent reporting period to put her fundraising total at $3.9 million, her campaign manager said.

Fallin reported raising $1 million during the period, according to reports filed with the state Ethics Commission. That put her total at $3.8 million.

The filing period deadline was Monday. The reports cover the period from Aug. 10 through Oct. 18. The candidates also filed last-minute reports, showing contributions received since Oct. 19.

Fallin, elected to represent the 5th Congressional District in 2006 after 12 years as lieutenant governor — Oklahoma's first female and Republican lieutenant governor — reported receiving $91,000 in last-minute contributions.

Askins, a former legislator and judge who has served the past four years as lieutenant governor, reported receiving $60,425 in last-minute contributions.

The last-minute contributions bumped up Askins' total to about $3.9 million and Fallin's total to nearly $3.9 million.

Askins reported loaning her campaign $350,000 during the most recent reporting period, said her campaign manager, Sid Hudson. So far, she has loaned her campaign $1.125 million.

Askins reported having $610,000 available as of Oct. 18 while Fallin reported having $270,000 on hand.