Women to head GOP, Democratic tickets in Oklahoma

By SEAN MURPHY Associated Press Writer

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - One broke the gender barrier in Oklahoma politics, holding a statewide seat for a dozen years before winning two terms in Congress. The other succeeded her as lieutenant governor and defeated the state's 16-year attorney general in the state's top political matchup - so far - of 2010.

Now, Republican U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin and Democratic Lt. Gov. Jari Askins will compete to become Oklahoma's first female governor. But the matchup also is nationally historic.

After winning their primary elections late Tuesday, Fallin and Askins will face off in a general election matchup that has happened only three times in U.S. history.

New Mexico's race for governor also will feature two women backed by Democrats and the GOP this year, but only Nebraska and Hawaii have had such races before.