| Some time after his failed 2006 independent gubernatorial bid, Kinky Friedman decided he wanted to run for statewide office again ... this time as a Democrat. That journey ended with a loss in last month's Agriculture Commissioner primary to Hank Gilbert (and, we can only assume, a marked increase in book and salsa sales). As he campaigned for Ag Commissioner (and before Bill White entered the race, Governor), Friedman attempted to sell himself as a proud Democrat. Of course, there were some inherent problems with Kinky's attempted conversion. Not only had he voted for George W. Bush at least once and run for office in Kerr County as a Republican back in the 1980s , but we should not forget he also played a role in helping Rick Perry to re-election with a mere plurality of the vote. Still, despite pretty much all the evidence pointing in the other direction, quite a few Texas Democrats decided that Kinky deserved another chance; that he really was a good Democrat. Now, in less than two months since he appeared on the Democratic primary ballot, Kinky is helping raise money for Republican U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith's Longhorn PAC. From an invitation obtained by BOR: Please join
Congressman Lamar Smith
Republican, 21st Congressional District of Texas
with special guest
Congressman Greg Walden
And breakfast with Texas Songwriter and Author
Kinky Friedman
benefitting
Longhorn PAC
For the 8thAnnual
Weekend with Lamar Four Seasons Hotel Austin , TX
Friday, May 14 - Sunday, May 16, 2010 Join us for Texas food, skeet shooting, horseback riding and relaxation in the state’s capitol!
This should finally put to rest the argument that Kinky is a Democrat or a progressive. The money Lamar Smith raises will likely be spent to help Republican congressional candidates all across the country. And Kinky Friedman is part of the sales pitch to potential contributors. This would be more disappointing if it was more surprising. Has anyone heard of Kinky raising money for Democrats since he lost the primary? I am not saying he hasn't -- just that I sure haven't heard about it. The sad truth is that Kinky Friedman has a nearly three decade pattern of political behavior, and this latest episode fits right into it. |
