Kinky Friedman, Campaigning for Governor
Will a Democrat Seize Texas in 2010?
Yes, after a disappointing run for governor in 2006, Friedman in 2010 intends on entering the election again. Reinvigorated and acquainted with campaigning, Friedman plans to win over the Texas electorate through stark honesty and a progressive, Democratic platform, with a few poignantly hilarious jokes on the side.
Who is Kinky Friedman?
The iconic candidate, trademarked with black cowboy hat and cigar, over the years, has accrued an array of experience. Popularized as a musician/singer and novelist, Kinky also runs a non-profit animal rescue organization, heads KFC (Kinky Friedman Cigars), entrepreneurs a line of salsa, and contributes to Texas Monthly as a columnist. Now he focuses primarily on politics, believing he can make the most significant impact on the state level.
Friedman’s outrageous style, evident in his artistic endeavors, may translate over into his campaign. Notorious for songs such as “They Ain’t Makin’ Jews Like Jesus Anymore” and “Get Your Biscuits in the Oven and Your Buns in the Bed” and novels such as The Mile High Club and Kill Two Birds and Get Stoned, Friedman has firmly established himself through comic wit and brazen flamboyance. More recently, however, audiences have glimpsed more endearing and contemplative sides to Friedman with his fable, The Christmas Pig, and his upcoming non-fiction work, What Would Kinky Do? How to Unscrew a Screwed Up World, scheduled, according to Amazon.com, for release on July 7, 2009.
Texas Democrats, Independents, and Kinky in 2010
The shift in his writing seems indicative of Friedman’s political agenda. His grassroots campaign, Texans for Kinky, continues to grow daily. In an open letter to the citizens of Texas, found on his website, Friedman alludes to the “last governor . . . who was truly on the side of the people of Texas,” Ann Richards. From her and her mentor, Barbara Jordan, he draws his political inspiration.
Friedman’s campaign strategy resembles that of Democrats from recent Presidential and Congressional elections. In his open letter, Kinky writes, “Here’s the way I see it: Democrats + Independents = Victory.” He further wishes to draw support from Libertarians and disillusioned Republicans. Last election, running as an Independent, Friedman accrued 12 percent of the Texas electorate, according to uselectionatlas.org. Despite his widespread popularity, Friedman’s biggest obstacle perhaps exists in voter apathy.
Overcoming what he calls the “Republican stranglehold,” similarly presents challenges. With his platform including stances against corporate corruption, against the death penalty, against the standardized TAKS test, for a woman’s right to choose, and for alternative fuels, Friedman faces Texas’ typical conservative opposition.
Activism and Fund Raising
On June 13th, Friedman hosts at his Echo Hill Ranch the Kinky Friedman’s Ranch Roundup—Round Two. Fast-selling tickets are available to the public. Though political awareness will be raised, all the event proceeds go to his non-profit organization, Utopia Animal Rescue Ranch, a no-kill center for abandoned and abused animals. The Roundup consists of dinner, a ranch tour, mingling, photos, autographs, and performances by Jerry Jeff Walker and Ramblin’ Jack Elliot. And, of course, Kinky and Little Jewford plan to top the evening off with performances of their own.
Whether concerning the Roundup or the campaign, expect a lively and interesting series of spectacles. The Friedman flare rarely fails to impress, invigorate, and entertain.
Kinky, Avid Dog Fan and Rescuer
|
What do you think about this article?
More in Politics & Society
Latest Articles