State Attorney General Drew Edmondson opened his campaign for Oklahoma governor last June with a laser-like focus on improving the state economy.

His emphasis hasn't wavered.

Edmondson, a democrat, made a campaign stop in Chickasha last Friday and said his first priority as governor would rest in creating jobs and economic growth.

"First thing we need to look at is helping current businesses expand," Edmondson said. "Our second priority would be encouraging entrepreneurial start-ups."

Edmondson expects Oklahoma to thrive in areas such as the medical field, aerospace and energy production. Every medical breakthrough, plus the presence of military bases and the transition to clean fuels, helps provide numerous new business plans for Oklahomans in every corner of the state.

"Wind turbines are going up, but they are being manufactured in Iowa and overseas," he said. "Those supply companies should be located in

Oklahoma, near the fields."

Edmondson also touted natural gas as a commodity that could leverage Oklahoma's finances for many years.

He said there are three main advantages to natural gas: It helps America become energy independent, It's good for the environment, and It's good for Oklahoma. Edmondson even sees a future in celluosic bio-fuels produced from Oklahoma's naturally abundant switch grass.

"It's not cost productive yet, but that is why we do research," he said. "And, I think it is just a terrific idea."

A recent poll conducted by Sooner Poll shows that Edmondson has gained traction against party-rival Lt. Gov. Jari Askins of Duncan. Edmondson rose 17 points in the polls, passing Askins and closing in on Republican candidate Rep. Mary Fallin.

He said carrying Tulsa and rural, Democratic parts of the southern Oklahoma will be the key to victory.

Edmondson said it will be difficult to win as a Democrat in a predominantly Republican state, but he thinks his history as attorney general will prove his worthiness to Oklahoma voters.

Since taking office in 1994, Edmondson has accomplished many things. His first order of business was to change Oklahoma execution laws, guaranteeing that defendants would be executed after proper appeals on the date originally specified.

He has actively fought to protect Oklahoma's water from theft and pollution. He won a law suit against tobacco companies, establishing a "Tobacco Trust" that has contributed nearly $500 million in funds, $21 million of which was used last year for special projects.

Edmondson also helped create the Education Technology Trust, which has provided smart boards to more than 50,000 students.

"Oklahoma voters are very independent," Edmondson said. "They tend to vote more so for the candidate than for the party."

As the campaign progresses, it will take a combined strategic approach to win the race, he said. Since June, he has traveled the traditional campaign trail, but he is incorporating modern ways to reach the masses.

Edmondson's campaign managers also have established pages on many social networking sites including Facebook, Twitter and Flickr. His wife, Linda Edmondson, has been on the road and keeps a blog to reach out to those she meets.

Edmondson plans to have a Field Action Team ready to respond to constituents in all 77 Oklahoma counties.

"We are listening very closely to what the people have to say," he said.

The need to keep tax rates steady, has been one thing Edmondson has heard many times. While Oklahoma faces a rough fiscal year, he can accomplish his goals without a general tax increase, he said. He said no income, corporate or sales taxes will increase, but he did not rule out an specialty-tax increases to cigarettes and other goods.

Edmondson also endorses a systemic change in Oklahoma courts and how the state handles multiple offenders.

He said many of Oklahoma's prisoners have underlying mental, drug and alcohol problems, and treating those can have far greater effects than incarceration alone.

It also saves the state money. He said the average inmate costs the state more than $20,000 annually.

The gubernatorial election will be held Nov. 3, 2010.

Current Gov. Brad Henry will not run because of term limits on the seat. Edmondson

will face off against Askins and Fallin in a highly contested race, which will only get more competitive as the clock ticks.

If Askins or Fallin are elected, they will be the first female governor in Oklahoma.