Looking at Representative Mary Fallin’s legislative record, it is clear, she may be a mother as she has said, but she sure doesn’t vote in favor of Oklahoma’s children.

Fallin said last week in the gubernatorial debate her being a mother makes her more qualified than Lt. Gov Jari Askins to be governor. While this has gathered much attention, mostly negative, the best indicator of her ability to be a successful governor would be her legislative record.

Fallin recieved a 10 percent rating from the Childrens Defense Fund Action Council, a non-partisan organization that tracks legislation dealing with protecting children. While in Congress, Fallin voted against expanding the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, protections against abuse for kids in residential programs, and the early learning challenge fund--among other important pieces of legislation.

Askins on the other hand has a history of standing up for Oklahoma’s children, such as her long time support to establish a Children’s Cabinet, drug courts for minors, and in 2003, Jari was named a Lifetime Champion for Children by the Oklahoma Institute of Child Advocacy. Jari was also vital in crafting the legislation that is now known as Insure Oklahoma which has helped improve the health of many Oklahoma children. Askins has been named outstanding legislator by Oklahoma Pediatricians (1998), Oklahoma Family Physicians (1999) and the OK Coalition Against Domestic Violence (2000) for protecting women and children.

Todd Goodman, Chairman of the Oklahoma Democratic Party, said Fallin’s statements about motherhood are an attempt to distract voters from her actual record.

“While I would never discount the importance of motherhood in life, I mean my mother is a personal hero of mine, the truth is Congresswoman Fallin can’t run on her legislative experience, which is what should be relevant,” Goodman said. “Jari Askins has a long record of working across the aisle to find solutions for Oklahomans and has a reputation of being extremely effective as an advocate for children. This is not D.C. Mary’s reputation. Jari Askins again has shown through her years of public service and protecting children, she is the best candidate for governor of Oklahoma.”