The Eye

Brogdon acknowledged several times during his speech Saturday that he is not well-known to many voters.

He has been pitting himself against Fallin by hitting out at the congresswoman for her requests for federal funding.

"If Rep. Fallin is truly serious about curtailing 'runaway federal spending' as she puts it, then I encourage her to join with me in my call for this earmark moratorium," Brogdon said in a statement. Brogdon has called on his state's congressional delegation to place a one-year moratorium on "earmarks they insert in federal legislation."

Republican Rep. Tom Cole announced Mar. 31 he would not enter the gubernatorial race, allowing Fallin, who had already announced her gubernatorial candidacy, to avoid a major primary battle against her House colleague.

Another primary battle will take shape for Fallin if Republican former Rep. J.C. Watts (1995-2003), enters the race. Watts has yet to disclose his plans but is considering running for governor.

Current Democratic Gov. Brad Henry is barred from seeking re-election due to term limits. Republicans regard the seat as one of their most prominent gubernatorial pickup opportunities for 2010.

The state's current lieutenant governor, Democrat Jari Askins, is campaigning for the Democratic nomination and Democrat Drew Edmondson, the state Attorney General, has taken steps towards a campaign.