Everyone (including me) said it couldn't be done. They said
Kinky Friedman was a joke, and that his campaign would implode. But last night, the Kinkster kicked off his petition drive with lots of support. It was exciting, and it could change Texas politics forever. Nearly 500 people gathered for a
midnight rally at the Texas capitol, and Kinky didn't disappoint. His message was inclusive, his tone was inspiring and he arguably has more grassroots support than our new Democratic nominee,
Chris Bell.
But can Kinky win?
Here are the
poll #'s from a recent Dallas Morning News poll.
Rick Perry: 36%
Chris Bell: 19%
Carole Keeton Strayhorn: 16%
Kinky Friedman: 10%
If Chris Bell doesn't get a big primary bounce and elevete his poll #'s into the 30's soon, then Democrats will start considering the independent candidates. Kinky's campaign manager, Dean Barkley, claims that Jesse Ventura had similar poll #'s at the same stage in his Minnesota gubernatorial campaign. Kinky hired Paul Wellstone's advertising guru, Bill Hillsman, and they're planning an entertaining and unorthodox marketing campaign that will caputure the imagination of Texas voters in 2006.
Many Democrats claim that Kinky is too conservative, but last night's rally was filled with young progressives who are frustrated with the Texas Democratic party. While Kinky is indeed more conservative than many Democrats, he still has a populist platform. Texas hasn't elected a statewide Democrat since 1994, and Kinky offers new hope for desperate Dems.
I decided to sign Kinky's petition even though I don't think he'll win. I think Carole Keeton Strayhorn is probably the most viable "anybody-but-Perry" candidate. But because the Kinkster would truly turn politics upside down, I'll help him get on the ballot. Even if Kinky doesn't win, he'll bring new voters to the polls. These voters will have the "throw the bums out" mentality, and therefore they'll likely vote against the incumbent Republican legislature. If we could get rid of House Speaker Tom Craddick, then Texas would be a much better place. While I would prefer to vote for Chris Bell, I'm skeptical that he can hold the Democratic coalition together. He's underfunded and he doesn't get people excited.
The Statesman even reported that Kinky had more supporters than Democratic primary candidate, Bob Gammage: "Perhaps fitting for this primary election night, there was a larger and more enthusiastic crowd for a candidate who got no votes Tuesday than there were at Bob Gammage's watch party."
More backround info:
*Video footage from KXAN
*Dallas Morning News: It's Perry vs. Bell, with more in wings
*Editorial from San Antonio Express News
*Kos: Strayhorn decides to run as independent
*Bill in Portland, ME: CHEERS to Texans with `tude.
Kinky Friedman is no joke, and he will make the 2006 Texas gubernatorial race the most interesting campaign in the country. He'll have to steal liberal Democrats from Chris Bell, he'll have to steal redneck Republicans from Rick Perry, and he'll have to beat Carole Keeton Strayhorn in the battle of independents. But crazier things have happened, so grab your popcorn and enjoy the ride. 2006 will be fun!
Texas Capitol:
Jewish Cowboy:
Kinky field organizers:
Kinky preaches to the crowd:
Kinky swarmed by his supporters: