OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Gov. Brad Henry says voters shouldn't consider a candidate's marital status or motherhood when they go to the polls next week to elect the first female governor in Oklahoma history.

The Democrat said Wednesday that voters should concentrate on how Democratic Lt. Gov. Jari Askins or Republican U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin would address critical state problems during their term.

Fallin, who has been married twice, suggested during a debate Oct. 19 that having a family was an important difference between her and Askins. Some have said her remarks were an attempt to insult Askins, who is single.

Henry called motherhood a "side issue" that voters don't really care about.

But some political analysts say children and a spouse can often help voters relate to a candidate.