Last night I attended a Lt. Governor’s forum hosted by the Tulsa Heart of the Party Chapter at the Tulsa Public Library. Candidates Jari Askins and Cal Hobson joined Coleman Davis (representing Pete Regan) in a two hour question and answer session. The theme of the night was responsibility and leadership. The Lt. Gov’s race is the most intriguing race for Oklahoma Democrats in 2006. Each candidate is excellent, well qualified and would make a great leader for our state. Each makes me proud to be a Democrat because they talk about the right things – education, health care, public safety and infrastructure development. They are committed to investing in our youth, investing in our working families and investing in projects – scientific centers, new jobs -- that will make Oklahoma better for all its citizens, not just the handful with hundred of thousands of dollars. Cal has 28 years experience in the state legislature. Jari has12 years experience to go along with her tenure as a judge. Pete has guided the State Senate Pac and has worked in DC. This makes them all viable candidates and appealing to Oklahoma Democrats. The most important thing is that we make sure that neither Todd Hiett nor Scott Pruitt assumes this critical position in our state government. In a close state senate, the Lt. Governor becomes an integral part of partisan legislative agendas. I commend Rae Weese and the members of the Tulsa Heart of the Party for allowing these candidates the time and forum to speak to Oklahoma voters.