The election for Oklahoma Governor took place on November 7th, 2006 as Democrat Incumbent Brad Henry faced Republican challenger Ernest Istook.
Find profiles of the candidates here, with the About.com poll and final results of the election on PAGE 2.
Registered voters can vote using one of several methods:
- By absentee ballot after filling out an application
- Using several early opportunities at their County Election Board
- Or at their regular polling location on November 7th
D - Brad Henry
BRIEF BIOGRAPHY: Brad Henry served in the Oklahoma State Senate for 10 years before being elected Oklahoma's 26th Governor in 2003.Born in Shawnee, Henry attended the University of Oklahoma and earned his law degree in 1988. He practiced law with his father in Shawnee before running for State Senate.
FAMILY: Henry and his wife Kim have three daughters: Leah, Laynie and Baylee.
RELIGION: Baptist
QUOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN...:
"Governor Henry took office in the midst of the worst budget crisis in state history, but forged a historic bipartisan agreement among legislative leaders that shielded education and health care from massive cuts. He also successfully fought to let voters decide whether to establish an education lottery to benefit the state's classrooms; voters overwhelmingly passed the lottery in November, 2004."
"Bolstering public education, he crafted a five-year strategy to raise the pay of Oklahoma teachers to at least match the regional average. Additionally, the governor successfully fought for a statewide vote in which Oklahomans approved a tribal gaming regulation act that will pump millions of dollars into state classrooms while helping revive the beleaguered horserace industry."
"Other highlights of his second year in office included: additional tort reform, Medicaid screening for breast and cervical cancer, voluntary relocation assistance for the troubled Tar Creek region and expansion of preschool programs. A landmark anti-methamphetamine measure advanced by Gov. Henry resulted in a dramatic decline of meth lab seizures and has become a model for the rest of the nation."
"Gov. Henry continued his pro-economic growth agenda with tax relief, tax rebates and a workers’ compensation reform package that business groups hailed as the most substantive in Oklahoma history. He strengthened education through comprehensive school accountability, increased teacher pay and an initiative upgrading college campuses across the state."
MORE ON HENRY's POSITIONS: See Brad Henry's official site.
R - Ernest Istook
BRIEF BIOGRAPHY: Ernest Istook served 6 years in the Oklahoma House of Representatives before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for the 5th district in 1992.Born in Ft. Worth, TX, Istook attended Baylor University and earned his law degree from Oklahoma City University in 1976. He served as assistant legal counsel to Governor David Boren and was later a City Councilman for Oklahoma City suburb Warr Acres.
FAMILY: Istook and his wife Judy have five children: Ernest III ("Butch"), Chad, Emily, Amy and Diana.
RELIGION: Mormon
QUOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN...:
"A lot of people talk a good game on fiscal discipline, but Congressman Ernest Istook takes seriously his commitment to watch over taxpayer dollars. In all his years of government service, Istook has never voted for a tax increase. Instead, he has been an untiring advocate for fiscal responsibility and cutting wasteful government spending. The principal author of the Balanced Budget Amendment and nine times voted as a "Friend of the Taxpayer" by Citizens Against Government Waste, Istook is truly committed to cutting taxes and limiting government spending."
"Istook has used his position in Congress to showcase Oklahoma's strengths and to expand Oklahoma's opportunities. Whether helping build Oklahoma's medical research community, expanding Oklahoma City's empowerment zone, bringing top-level officials to visit Oklahoma City, or leading trade talks with Oklahoma business leaders in China, Istook has a rock-solid record of helping create jobs and opportunity in Oklahoma."
"Our democratic form of government depends upon an educated public. Istook, whose five children all graduated from Putnam City schools, strongly supports our public school system. In Congress, Istook consistently supports cutting federal red tape and giving more control to parents and local communities. Istook's vision for education also bought cutting-edge technology to Oklahoma schools, giving handheld computers to over 5,000 students and providing a roadmap for other parts of the country that wish to do the same."
"Unapologetically pro-life, Congressman Ernest Istook was given a 100% rating from the National Right to Life for his efforts to protect the unborn. Istook believes the right to life is our most fundamental."
MORE ON ISTOOKS's POSITIONS: See Ernest Istook's official site.
Give Your Opinion and See the Final Results on the Next Page...
