By Shelley Kofler, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-832299.mp3
Dallas, TX – Kinky Friedman says it's no marketing stunt - he's exploring another run for Governor in 2010. The 64-year old humorist and author is in North Texas performing at several clubs. He talked to KERA's Shelley Kofler about how this campaign would be different if he officially enters the race.
He'll still be the cigar chomping populist dressed in a black cowboy hat and black western-style suit. But the Kinkster says this time he'll tone down the one-liners. He's afraid some Texans thought he wasn't a real candidate last time.
Kinky: I'm not going to be an undertaker but I'm going to be more serious
In 2006 Friedman ran as an independent capturing about 13-percent of the vote in a four way race where Rick Perry came out on top. This time Friedman would run as a Democrat. He says the Democratic bloggers are dead wrong when they say his ideas aren't consistent with the party.
Kinky: But if you look at the issues even from the last campaign, alright, that these people are criticizing me for they are a very very good Democratic platform. I mean, I'm pro choice. I'm for decriminalizing marijuana. I'm for gay marraiage. You know, if you want to have a transgender wedding right here and you want me to officiate I'll be happy to. That is a liberal. And I want the death penalty gone. That's a start.
Friedman says he also supports Democratic efforts to give Texas teachers a pay raise, and he opposes a Voter ID bill.
He had a few choice words for Governor Perry and his decision to reject $555 million dollars in federal stimulus money. It was available for unemployment insurance.
Kinky: It's a tragic mistake of Perry's. An arrogant one. He may be posturing to get to the right of Kay Bailey Hutchison for some reason but he's hurting real people with this.
Friedman says he's testing the waters to find out whether he can raise enough money to compete. In the meantime he's planning a rural listening tour. He thinks he has a lot of support from Independents and Democrats in small-town Texas.
Former Texas Rangers Partner Tom Schieffer of Fort Worth is also exploring a Democratic run for Governor.