Checking in with the Kinkster

Humorist/musician/author/hellraiser Kinky Friedman has made it onto the ballot in Texas as a candidate for governor. In doing that, he's already gotten farther than many expected, with 137,000 valid signatures on petitions.

Carole Strayhorn, the Republican state comptroller who is running as an independent, also made it onto the ballot, along with a Dem, a Libertarian, and Republican Incumbent Gov. Rick Perry.

The Austin paper reports:

[Strayorn] added that her fundraising lead to date compared to Perry's other challengers means it's a "two-person race" between her and Perry.

"I agree with her; it's between Carole and her ego," retorted Friedman, who is making his first try for state office.

Here's a little taste of the Kinky campaign, from a Brownsville campus appearance awhile back:

“Politics, folks, is the only field where the more experience you have, the worse you get,” Friedman said.

“I don’t use the Internet. I think it’s the work of Satan,” he said in his speech. “(But) please visit www.kinkyfriedman.com.”

The candidate’s Web site is full of more of the same tongue-in-cheek humor: Visitors can purchase a talking Kinky doll for $29.99. But, Friedman said his run for governor is no joke.

“The governor of Texas, as you know, does not have his finger on the nuclear button,” he said. “He’s more like the judge in a chili cook-off.”

Friedman supports gay marriage and non-denominational prayer in school, a combination he said could not be found in a Democrat or Republican because they are too focused on their party’s personal feelings.

Harvey Kronberg of the Quorum Report, a Texas political newsletter, reported on a golf fundraiser, also awhile back (I've been hoarding this material):

... Friedman’s gubernatorial campaign got a little more serious on Sunday when nine Texans ponied up $5,000 for golf with the stars and another 120 or so paid $1,000 for lunch...

Bill Clark drove with his wife and father from Eldorado for the chance to visit Willie Nelson’s homestead, where the game was played. Clark, a commissioner for Schleicher County, doesn’t even play golf, but he’s been a Nelson fan for decades.

But, "If (Nelson) is supporting Kinky, I’m supporting Kinky," he said. "It’s a dream come true to even be here."

... Dick DeGuerin, the powerhouse attorney defending Congressman Tom DeLay against charges brought by Democratic Travis County prosecutor Ronnie Earle, was at the fundraiser and introduced singer/songwriter Jerry Jeff Walker: "I’m a Yellow Dog Democrat. I’m representing Tom DeLay, and I’m for Kinky," he said. "And I see no contradiction there."

During the press conference, Friedman stayed with his jokester persona when answering some hot button questions, such as whether he’s pro-life or pro-choice. The answer still: "I’m pro-football."

... Friedman, who claimed he’d make Willie Nelson his energy adviser, explained to media that Nelson was taking a power nap between games. But he’s got the Red-Headed Stranger’s support, he said. Nelson’s travel is 100 percent biodiesel, and it’s an example Friedman wants to see followed throughout the state.

Jesse Ventura issued a challenge to Texas. Currently, Minnesota has the title of mecca for Independents in politics.

"Come on Texas, take it away from us," he said.