On January 15th 2009, Lt Governor Jari Askins became the first announced candidate for governor in 2010.

Jari has always been a trailblazer.

She was the first Democratic woman elected Lt. Governor, the first woman to become Democratic Leader of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, the first woman to be elected State Representative from Southwest Oklahoma and the first woman to chair The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board.

Jari Askins’ roots run deep in Oklahoma. She was born and raised in Duncan where she learned the Oklahoma Values of family, faith, honesty, hard work and education.

Jari’s experience is unmatched, her integrity and dedication unquestioned. In every office she has held, Jari has earned the respect and affection of Oklahomans in both parties. She has served Oklahoma in all three branches of government. Before Jari was elected Lt. Governor and a leader in the legislature, she served as a Special District Judge and as Deputy General Counsel in the Governor’s Office. Just three weeks after her appointment to The Pardon and Parole Board, her fellow members elected her chairman.

Most of all, Jari is a leader Oklahomans can count on. She often goes against the grain without regard to political parties. Jari has been a determined advocate for children and the elderly, for ending government waste and for helping education, health care, law enforcement and business. Setting partisan politics aside, she negotiated legislation that made workers compensation more reasonable while protecting the rights of injured workers.

Jari knows Oklahoma wins when both parties work together. That philosophy has guided her throughout her career in public service and will guide her as governor.