December 8, 2005: Headlines: Figures: COS - Malaysia: Writing - Malaysia: Humor: Election2006 - Friedman: Houston Chronicle: Kinky Friedman files papers to run for governor
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Kinky Friedman files papers to run for governor
The musician-turned-mystery writer officially filed his declaration of intent to run as an independent candidate for governor with the secretary of state. Kinky Friedman files papers to run for governor Author, Musician, and candidate for Governor of Texas, Kinky Friedman served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Malaysia in the 1960's.
Kinky Friedman files papers to run for governor
Kinky Friedman files papers to run for governor
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle Austin Bureau
AUSTIN — Humorist Kinky Friedman took his first formal step toward the governor's office today, promising, on a bitterly cold day, to work hard at putting "a chill up the spine of every politician."
The musician-turned-mystery writer officially filed his declaration of intent to run as an independent candidate for governor with the secretary of state.
But to get on the ballot next November, he needs to collect at least 45,540 voters' signatures — or 1 percent of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election — from people next spring who don't cast ballots in any party primary or runoff.
Friedman told a few dozen supporters and reporters huddled for a brief, sidewalk announcement that his real opponent was not Gov. Rick Perry, but voter apathy.
Only 29 percent of Texas' voting age population cast ballots in the 2002 gubernatorial general election.
"If we can get the 29 percent who voted last time up to 39 percent, it'll all be over, and there will be a whole new spirit blowing through Texas," he said. "There will be a smile on everybody's face and a chill up the spine of every politician."
Wearing his trademark, black cowboy hat and puffing on a cigar, Friedman said his heroes were the legendary American humorists Will Rogers and Mark Twain, who often used their humor and satire to critique the culture and politics of their times.
"They were truth-tellers," he said.
"The point of humor and the point of fiction that I write is to sail as close to the truth as you can without sinking the ship."
Friedman, who has been campaigning for months after announcing his candidacy in front of the Alamo, said his campaign has about 20 staffers, thousands of volunteers and offices in Austin and Fort Worth.
Chris Bell, a former congressman and city councilman from Houston, plans to file for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination today . Felix Alvarado, an educator from Fort Worth, also has said he will run for governor as a Democrat.
Democrat Bob Gammage, a former Houston-area congressman and state legislator and former Texas Supreme Court justice, also is considering a gubernatorial race.
Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn is challenging Perry in the March Republican primary.
clay.robison@chron.com
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| Why blurring the lines puts PCVs in danger When the National Call to Service legislation was amended to include Peace Corps in December of 2002, this country had not yet invaded Iraq and was not in prolonged military engagement in the Middle East, as it is now. Read the story of how one volunteer spent three years in captivity from 1976 to 1980 as the hostage of a insurrection group in Colombia in Joanne Marie Roll's op-ed on why this legislation may put soldier/PCVs in the same kind of danger. Latest: Read the ongoing dialog on the subject. |
| PC establishes awards for top Volunteers Gaddi H. Vasquez has established the Kennedy Service Awards to honor the hard work and service of two current Peace Corps Volunteers, two returned Peace Corps Volunteers, and two Peace Corps staff members. The award to currently serving volunteers will be based on a demonstration of impact, sustainability, creativity, and catalytic effect. Submit your nominations by December 9. |
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Story Source: Houston Chronicle
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