U.S. Rep Mary Fallin confirms decision to run for Oklahoma governor in 2010

DEL CITY – U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin answered the question most delegates to today’s Oklahoma County Republican Convention wanted to know: She is running for governor in 2010.

When introducing Fallin, Pam Pollard, outgoing chairman of the Oklahoma County Republican Party, asked the two-term congresswoman whether she was forgoing a third term to seek the governor’s office.

“I’ve had to make some pretty tough decisions on behalf of our nation the last couple of years, but when it comes to making decisions about the future of Oklahoma and the leadership of Oklahoma and the governor of Oklahoma, my answer is yes,” Fallin said.

Those in the crowd cheered and applauded, with many standing, after the former three-term lieutenant governor and two-term state representative made her statement.

“I truly believe Oklahoma needs strong leadership, that Oklahoma needs a new voice in our state,” she said.

Fallin, 54, told key supporters during a conference call Friday of her intentions to run for governor. She said today she intends to file paperwork Monday forming a gubernatorial campaign committee. None of her money remaining in her congressional campaign committee may be used for a state race.

Fallin, the first woman and the first Republican to be elected Oklahoma’s lieutenant governor, said she will make a formal announcement in her bid to become the first woman governor in the state.

She is the second candidate and the second woman to publicly announce plans to run for governor.

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