In his announcement speech, Edmondson expressed a desire to turn around state statistics including its high rate of teen pregnancy, incarcerated women, and high school dropouts.
"I believe in Oklahoma ... I believe our state is the best place in America to live and raise a family and there's no reason we can't make Oklahoma number one in the right categories instead of the wrong ones," Edmondson said during several campaign stops June 10, according to his prepared remarks.
The 2010 race is an open seat contest- current Democratic Gov. Brad Henry is term-limited.
Edmondson faces primary competition from Lt. Gov. Jari Askins, who entered the race in January.
On the Republican side, 5th District Rep. Mary Fallin, who served as lieutenant governor from 1995 to 2007, has emerged as the GOP front-runner. Republican state Sen. Randy Brogdon is also competing for his party's nomination.
Fallin's lead on the GOP side was solidified when former Republican Rep. J.C. Watts announced last month he would not run for governor.
Republicans regard the seat as one of their most prominent gubernatorial pickup opportunities for 2010. Despite Henry's electoral success, Republicans continue to hold an edge overall in the conservative state.
A May 20 Public Policy Polling survey, conducted before Watts took himself out of the running, showed both Fallin and Watts leading Askins and Edmondson in hypothetical general election match ups.
CQ Politics rates the race Leans Republican.
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