Kinky Friedman eyeing gubernatorial bid as Democrat

Associated Press ^ | Sept. 2, 2007 | Associated Press

[Dubya]

AUSTIN — Kinky Friedman is considering entering the campaign for Texas governor in 2010 as a Democrat.

Friedman said the Democratic party, which hasn't won a statewide election in more than a dozen years, could use a nontraditional approach to connect with voters.

"I consider myself a Democrat in the mold of JFK, (former Texas Gov.) Ann Richards and (journalist) Molly Ivins," Friedman said.

During his campaign for Texas governor last year as an independent, Friedman couldn't overcome the financial and logistical clout of the two major parties, which he compared to the Crips and Bloods street gangs.

Friedman, an entertainer and novelist, finished behind Gov. Rick Perry, Democrat Chris Bell and Carole Keeton Strayhorn, the Republican state comptroller who ran as an independent.

"If God was running as an independent (in 2006), he couldn't have beat Rick Perry," he said.

Democratic Party spokeswoman Amber Moon said they welcome all Texans who share the party's values.

"But he might have a difficult time getting Democratic primary voters to support him considering that he came in fourth."

[boop]

I would almost vote for Kinky based on his stance on freedom to smoke.

[Borian]

“I would almost vote for Kinky based on his stance on freedom to smoke.”

I would easily vote for Kinky, democrat or not. He is strait up with what he is up to. I respect a democrat more that says he will raise your taxes, over a republican that claims he won’t during election and does otherwise. Until we drive the serpents out of Texas government (i.e. Rick Perry) everyone but the republicans will be getting my vote. It’s called honesty folks. Hope the Perry folks make a tick mark in that column for me.

[driftless2]

Friedman would definitely be the most obnoxious pol ever elected if judged by watching him on Imus is any indication. At times it looked like even his pal Imus wanted to strangle him.

[Liberty Valance]

LOL - What I like about Kinky is his ability to capture the attention of the AP, most Texas newspapers and local TeeVee news teams. There is absolutely no way he'll ever be Governor but he is a breath of fresh wafting cigar smoke to jaded newshounds everywhere.

Kinky 2010! Ya gotta luv the Guv.