MOORE — Candidates for county and statewide offices spoke with supporters and listened to concerns Monday evening at the Cleveland County Democratic Party’s annual Labor Day picnic at Andrews Park.
Lt. Gov. Jari Askins spoke to the crowd Monday. Askins, a Democrat, is running against Republican Congresswoman Mary Fallin for the governor’s seat.
“Cleveland County has always been good to me,” Askins said. “I’m going to depend on you to take us to the top.”
Askins encouraged supporters to vote in the Nov. 2 general election. She said the July 27 primary proved that every vote counts.
“We’ve got to have everybody out here voting,” she said.
Askins said she is happy to be the Democratic candidate for governor. Askins beat out Attorney General Drew Edmondson in July for the nomination.
She said this election will set the course for the state down the road.
“We have an opportunity to bring other jobs to the state,” Askins said.
Askins said the election should be about education, jobs and working families.
“I’m running to represent the people of Oklahoma,” she said. “I will represent you as chief executive officer.”
Sue Marshall of Norman said she attends the picnic every year.
“It’s refreshing to be in a group of Democrats,” Marshall said.
She sat in a lawn chair Monday evening and prepared to listen to Askins and additional candidates in attendance.
“We have some outstanding candidates and I like to show them my support,” Marshall said.
State Labor Commissioner Lloyd Fields shook hands and talked with supporters. Fields, a Democrat, is running for re-election this year.
Fields said Monday was a time to “honor the workers out there doing the work and making the money for the economy.”
“It’s to give honor to people who have worked,” Fields said as a reason for recognizing Labor Day.
Suzette McDowell, chairperson of the Cleveland County Democratic Party, said about 200 people showed up at the picnic Monday. McDowell said she was pleased with the large crowd.
“We really do this because we are the party of the people,” she said.
McDowell said she expects Democrats to do well in the November election. Candidates for county treasurer, state representative, state senate, state auditor and state treasurer attended the picnic.
“The Republicans will be surprised when they see how well we do,” she said.
