Kinky candidates tries once again

As a serious candidate for Texas governor, the man has some liabilities — starting with the fact that he goes by the name of Kinky. But then he’s kind of stuck with that moniker because he’d lose all sorts of name identification if he appeared on the ballot as Richard S. Friedman.

Yep, the nickname is just as much a part of his persona as the black cowboy hat and cigars that are constants in his life. But will voters really flock to a guy who has spent much of his life putting on people and spouting one-liners? After all, he was the central figure in a musical act called Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys.

But somehow, the gubernatorial bid hangs together. This time around, he’s running in the Democratic Primary. As an independent in the last race for governor, Friedman garnered 12 percent of the vote going against an incumbent Republican and an established Democratic foe. So it’s clear he has significant appeal among some voters.

In fact, that’s exactly where the mystique of Kinky lies. There are a considerable number of people who are tired of the same old stiff approach of traditional candidates. They like office seekers who don’t always play it safe and who seem to lapse into doublespeak when confronted with potentially divisive issues.

And Friedman fits that outlaw mold. He is firmly against toll roads. He’d like to see gambling established in Texas so the proceeds could be used to buy back the toll roads from the private companies that built them and are enjoying the proceeds. And his point about gaming is well taken. Lots of Texans are taking their money and crossing into adjoining states for recreational time at casinos. Lots of revenue is going to those other states.

He also proposed a half-percent “surcharge” on big oil and gas companies to provide better pay for teachers. That will get him some votes for sure. And he wants to do away with the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills test. That’s another stance that could garner him a lot of support.

Electing characters of Kinky’s magnitude is not unheard of. In fact, Friedman employed one Jesse Ventura (professional wrestler turned Minnesota governor) in his last campaign.

At any rate, Friedman’s biggest hurdle is convincing enough voters that he’s dead solid serious in his political aspirations. And you have to take him at his word on that because he’s still the same guy who’s been bringing around quite an act for many years.

But he it pulled off to a certain extent before and it’s always possible more believers can be convinced this time around when he’s more a part of the traditional political structure.