By Shelley Kofler, KERA News
Dallas, TX –
Author Kinky Friedman is fielding sharp criticism from his new Democratic opponent. Monday Friedman dropped out of the race for Governor to run for state agriculture commissioner on the Democratic ticket. That's prompted charges of opportunism, as KERA's Shelley Kofler reports.
Kinky Friedman ended his race for Governor after meeting with his two Democratic opponents, Houston Mayor Bill White and millionaire businessman Farouk Shami. Friedman said he couldn't compete with their money.
Kinky: Even though the polls show me as a frontrunner I realize I can't beat multiple millionaires with my trusty slingshot.
The author and humorist says he'll now run for state agriculture commissioner, a position held by friend and political advisor Jim Hightower.
The political shift has raised the hackles of East Texas rancher Hank Gilbert, who also ended his campaign for governor to run for agriculture commissioner. Gilbert was the Democratic nominee for ag commissioner four years ago. He says Kinky knows next to nothing about farming and ranching and claims Kinky is ready to run for anything that will allow him to promote his cigar and publishing businesses.
Hank: I personally believe that Kinky is looking for an opportunity. Whether that's an opportunity to make a name for himself to sell more books or to promote a book tour or whatever that is. I don't know what his mode of thinking is but I really have doubts it is to connect with and help protect the agriculture industry and the people who make their living from it as well as the people who consume the product.
Kinky: He can say whatever he wants. I'm on the high road and I'm staying there
Friedman waves aside Gilbert's accusations saying he'd appoint savvy professionals to oversee long-standing department functions while expanding the agriculture department to pursue untraditional rural initiatives: new resources for rural schools; greater use of local foods in Texas school cafeterias; animal rescue facilities in every county. Friedman takes in and cares for abused animals at his own rescue ranch in Uvalde County.
Friedman says he's also meeting with good friend Willie Nelson this week to talk about getting farmers more involved in alternative fuel production. In his campaign for a down ballot office often invisible to voters, Friedman's may hope that adding a little star-power and will get some attention.