Exposure helps Jari Askins secure Oklahoma votes

Experts say that exposure, combined with an energized ground game, a flurry of last-minute automated telephone calls and face-to-face politicking in northeast Oklahoma, helped Jari Askins squeak out an upset victory in this week's Democratic primary for governor.

Askins edged longtime Attorney General Drew Edmondson by fewer than 1,500 votes — or less than six-tenths of 1 percent of the votes cast.

"All it took for this one was 1,500 people who decided to get their dry cleaning instead of going to vote," said Ben Odom, a Democratic strategist and former vice chairman of the state party. "It took a perfect lineup of things going her way to happen, and she got it."

Askins will face Republican U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin in the Nov. 2 general election, ensuring Oklahoma's first female governor will take office in January.

Askins spent the weekend before Tuesday's election visiting diners and retail shops in north Tulsa, where Democratic voters were excited about competitive primaries for county commissioner and state representative.

"That vote wasn't necessarily generated by me, but I do think I was a beneficiary of that turnout," Askins said. "I worked hard in the north part of Tulsa. I considered that an area that I could do well in."