Friedman said he learned some hard lessons from his fourth-place defeat in 2006 to Republican Rick Perry in a race with three political veterans. He said he found out he couldn't win as an independent and that he shouldn't crack so many jokes. He'd rather run now with the help of a major party — the Democrats Friedman also noted that Democratic comedian Al Franken did well in his U.S. Senate race in Minnesota, though his victory is still being debated in court. "So this can be done," Friedman said. Author, Musician, and candidate for Governor of Texas, Kinky Friedman served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Malaysia in the 1960's.
Kinky Friedman may run again for governor
Kinky Friedman may run again for governor
By KELLEY SHANNON – Feb 11, 2009
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Humorist and author Kinky Friedman is toying with another run for Texas governor, but if he does, he says he's serious this time.
"I'm toning down the one-liners a bit. If I run, it's going to be a serious run," Friedman told The Associated Press on Tuesday, peppering the interview with one-liners.
Friedman said he learned some hard lessons from his fourth-place defeat in 2006 to Republican Rick Perry in a race with three political veterans.
He said he found out he couldn't win as an independent and that he shouldn't crack so many jokes. He'd rather run now with the help of a major party — the Democrats
Friedman also noted that Democratic comedian Al Franken did well in his U.S. Senate race in Minnesota, though his victory is still being debated in court.
"So this can be done," Friedman said.
Friedman, known for his signature black cowboy hat and cigar, has written more than 24 books, including "Cowboy Logic: The Wit and Wisdom of Kinky Friedman (And Some of His Friends.)" Some of his quips include "Never take a whiz on an electric fence."
He said he's been a Democrat all his life — though "not the kind of Democrat that goose-steps to the polling box" — and that he likes the direction the state party is taking.
Democrats can win the state's highest office if they pull in what he calls grass roots voters and small-town Texans, Friedman said. He considers rural support one of his strengths.
As he did many times in 2006, he criticized the Perry administration for being beholden to corporate interests. He said if he runs it will be as a "man of the people." Friedman said he wants to provide more support for teachers, improve health care coverage for Texans and abolish the death penalty.
"I do tend to ride to the left of the herd on most issues," he said.
Friedman said he has been actively talking to Democrats in the Legislature and elsewhere and encouraged any party members to call him. He says he's getting positive responses so far.
"I'm not a shy little bugger. I don't mind getting out there," Friedman said. He said he would have to make his decision on running soon. "It's not a done deal that I'm going to run at all."
Other potential Democratic candidates include former ambassador Tom Schieffer and state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte of San Antonio.
On the GOP side, Texas Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison plans to challenge fellow Republican Perry, the longest-serving leader in state history.
