Election Day Surprises Possible, Pundits Say

Don't rule Jari Askins out, watch how well James Lankford does and voter turnout could determine some winners and losers, pundits and consultants said during a "Political Junkies" panel discussion Friday sponsored by the University of Oklahoma Political Communications Center.

Neva Hill (left), Republican consultant, said she wouldn't rule Askins out despite polls showing her trailing Attorney General Drew Edmondson in their battle for the Democratic nomination for governor.

And in the 5th District GOP primary, said Hill, "it's still wide open." Hill is a consultant to Lankford's campaign. Polls have shown him second to Kevin Calvey, with Rep. Mike Thompson in third place.

Democrat Pat Hall, a consultant to Edmondson's campaign, said Edmondson's strength in Tulsa and northeastern Oklahoma is "huge" and likely will help him win his party's nomination.

Pat McFerron, GOP consultant and pollster, said Congresswoman Mary Fallin likely will top 60 percent in her primary race with Senator Randy Brogdon. Hill said that while a low voter turnout could help Brogdon and perhaps force a runoff with Fallin, "I'd say it would be doubtful."

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