Fallin, Dorman Face Off In Sole Debate Of 2014 Governor's Race

OSU, OETA and the League of Women Voters hosted a debate between Governor Mary Fallin and Democratic challenger Joe Dorman Thursday evening at the OSU Little Theater. 

Thursday, October 2nd 2014, 9:27 pm

By: News 9

Fallin, Dorman Face Off In Sole Debate Of 2014 Governor's Race

OSU, OETA and the League of Women Voters hosted a debate between Governor Mary Fallin and Democratic challenger Joe Dorman Thursday evening at the OSU Little Theater.

Fallin is seeking her second, four-year term in office following a two-decade career in Oklahoma politics that has included stints in the Oklahoma House, as lieutenant governor and two terms in Congress. Dorman is a Democratic state legislator from Rush Springs who is completing his sixth and final two-year term in office.

10/2/2014: EXCLUSIVE: Poll Shows Fallin Up In Governor's Race

Questions were posted by a panel of journalists, including Dick Pryor, OETA managing editor and deputy director; Rachel Hubbard, KOSU associate director and general manager; and Rick Green, The Oklahoman capitol bureau chief. Brandon Lenoir, a visiting OSU assistant professor in political science, served as moderator.

Here are some candidate highlights from Thursday's debate:

Mary Fallin

"Because of new jobs and economic growth, we've been able to increase education funding by $150 million in the last two years."

"I believe in letting people keep more of their hard earned money. It stimulates the economy and creates job."

"We need to be both tough on crime and smart on crime to reduce incarceration rates and protect Oklahomans."

"We have initiated a statewide water conservation plan to protect our water resources for Oklahoma families and businesses."

"We've been able to dramatically increase the number of college graduates through a program called Complete College America."

Joe Dorman

"We simply must invest in the future and we need real leadership that will do that."

"I'm tired of Oklahoma being at the bottom of the list."

"The policies that we've seen with the Fallin administration and Janet Barresi must be turned around!"

"Going back to education, we must have a champion."

"We need real leadership that is in touch with the citizens."

Here is what our viewers were saying during the debate:

@stocktonduvall: "Reporting a situation" is Dormans solution to solving school safety... I really don't think that's it... #okvotes14

@thesportboss: that's scary that we chose to pass a bond to repair the Capitol, but not put storm shelters in school #okvotes14

@msnikivon: "We must do this in a bipartisan manner." YES!! THIS is what I hope for most from whichever candidate wins this election. #okvotes14

@jhcnslr: Dorman seems to know his stuff! I'm mpressed w his demeanor and knowledge. Wish he was better known n the ne part of the state! #okvotes14

@pampollard: Fallin understands the citizens' right to govern their schools and taxes. #okvotes14

@CourtneyMapes: No better way to kick off my first election as a registered voter than by attending the gubernatorial debate! #okvotes14

@JustCyndiB: There's never been a candidate that I agree with 100%. But there is one that I disagree w/ 100% and her name is #maryfallin. #okvotes14

@MadiLAlexander: Please please please register to vote. This election is so important to the future of Oklahoma. http://www.ok.gov/elections/Voter_Registration/Voter_Registration_Application/ … #okvotes14