Fallin's few accomplishments in D.C. noted on maryfailing.com

Oklahoma City, OK (September 2, 2009) – As Congresswoman Mary Fallin readied to open the headquarters where she will run her gubernatorial campaign, the Oklahoma Democratic Party launched a website to chronicle Fallin's many failures – and few accomplishments – for the state of Oklahoma during her time in Washington.

"Today we launched maryfailing.com because we want to make it clear that Mary Fallin has spent too much time in Congress regurgitating Republican talking points, and too little time getting things done for her district," said Todd Goodman, Chair of the Oklahoma Democratic Party.

"When given the opportunity, Fallin consistently chooses to toe the party line rather than do what's right for our state.  She could have chosen to make a real difference for Oklahomans while in Congress, but she's really failed to get much done on the important issues," he added.

Fallin has consistently voted against Oklahoma's interests on several important issues, including the military and veterans, women's and children's issues, jobs and education.

"For example, Fallin voted against the GI Bill expansion in 2008, which has helped to ensure that we fulfill the decades-old promise to our servicemen and women to give them opportunities to live their dream after bravely serving our nation," Goodman noted.

Fallin has also voted against the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would help Oklahoma women.  She voted against renewing SCHIP – or State Children's Health Insurance Program – which has helped thousands of Oklahoma families afford health care for their children.  And she opposed the ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act), though she supported the Wall Street bailout.

Furthermore, Fallin hasn't been able to accomplish much on her own in four years.  The nonpartisan site govtrack.us calls Fallin a "follower" in terms of introducing new legislation (see http://www.govtrack.us/congress/person.xpd?id=412230).

"She spends a lot of time in Washington," Goodman noted.  "She hasn't missed a lot of votes, so she's clearly spending her time at the Capitol.  But she's just not getting anything done for us.

"Oklahomans expect more from someone who's been in Congress for four years – especially someone trying to make the case that they should lead our state."

Goodman noted that Roll Call's website congress.org ranked Fallin 418th out of 435 U.S. House members in their 2008 Power Rankings.  The site scores Fallin's level of influence – or "actions by member taken to affect an issue or bill" – as zero (see http://www.congress.org/congressorg/power_rankings/power_card.tt?id=31743).

Goodman noted that the Democratic Party will continue to post details on Fallin's failures for Oklahoma to maryfailing.com throughout her gubernatorial bid.