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.
Friedman finalized his decision after meeting with Democratic gubernatorial candidates Bill White and Farouk Shami separately over the weekend. Friedman campaign consultant Colin Strother described the meetings with both men as "very, very good", but Friedman is declining to endorse either Democratic candidate at this point. Friedman's visit with White at the mayor's Houston home was the first time the two had met; Friedman and Shami have been personal friends for many years and share a key ally -- John McCall, who financed much of Friedman's 2006 gubernatorial run.
"After my visit with Bill my mind was made up. There is a clear alternative for the people of Texas, and today I'm changing courses with a happy heart.," Friedman said.
(No word yet on the official statement but this is the rumor for now. - promoted by Karl-Thomas Musselman)
Kinky Friedman's book tour made two stops in Montgomery County on Saturday where he also made some news. He has hinted that he will drop out of the Texas Governor's race and is seriously considering entering another statewide race like Lt. Governor or Agriculture Commissioner.
The Courier, the local newspaper in Conroe, Texas reports:
THE WOODLANDS – The deep pockets of gubernatorial candidates Bill White and Farouk Shami may force Kinky Friedman out of the 2010 Democratic primary.
Instead, Friedman, who ran against Republican Gov. Rick Perry as an independent in 2006, may pursue another statewide post, such as agriculture commissioner or lieutenant governor, he announced at one of two campaign stops Saturday in The Woodlands
Kinky cites the campaign war chests of fellow gubernatorial candidates Bill White and Farouk Shami as his reason for dropping out of that race, “The problem is this: With my trusty slingshot I can beat any millionaire in Texas. Can I run against multiple millionaires in a primary? That’s probably not going to happen," said Friedman.
As far as what other statewide race he would consider, he appears to be leaning towards Ag Commissioner, and sees former Ag Commissioner (and Kinky advisor) Jim Hightower as an inspiration:
Friedman said he has discussed running for Texas Agriculture Commissioner with former commissioner Jim Hightower, singer Willie Nelson and Bill White.
“What I learned is that as agriculture commissioner there was almost nothing I couldn’t do that I couldn’t do as governor,” Friedman said.
Among the items on Friedman’s agricultural agenda was bringing a halt to toll roads going through farmland, the idea of farmer’s co-operatives selling alternative fuels all over Texas, and placing animal rescue facilities in every county.
The Democratic nomination for Ag Commissioner is currently being sought by the 2006 nominee and former gubernatorial candidate Hank Gilbert.
Kinky acknowledges meeting with both Bill White and Farouk Shami on Saturday (Shami lives in The Woodlands). If he gives any hint of who he would support in the Governor's race, Kinky seems to be leaning towards Bill White:
"I like Bill White. I really think we can work together,” Friedman said. “Bill’s concept of government is very close to mine. It’s not about Bill White. It’s not about Kinky. It’s about making government work for the people.
He had harsh words for Farouk Shami:
“The Democratic primary should not be for sale. It should be priceless and reflect the voice of the people,” Friedman said. “Farouk has already put $10 million (into the campaign) and he’s ready to put up another $10 million.
“It’s like a rich man buying a toy. He might have been better served to buy a sports team, or give it to a charity, or a children’s hospital or something,” he said.
I know, you are having a case of deja-vu in thinking you've read this story before. That's because you basically have. After meeting with Jim Hightower and senior campaign advisers, current gubernatorial candidate Kinky Friedman is taking another weekend, this time to talk to fellow gubernatorial seekers Bill White and Farouk Shami before announcing any plans next Monday which could include a withdrawl from the Governor's race, a switch to another statewide office, and/or any outgoing endorsements in the process.
You may now chose to cross your fingers, get your hopes up, or continue not caring depending on your personal preference. Carry on.
Friday's pronouncement that today would be the day for some news from gubernatorial hopeful Kinky Friedman looks to have gotten ahead of itself. Monday is hear and the only news is the news that there will not be any news for at least a couple more days as Kinky and his campaign staff complete their conversations on what he plans to do next.
"The only announcement today is that we have no announcement. Kinky has invested 7 months and a lot of money in this race and is not going to rush a decision that will so significantly impact the ticket. He is taking a few more days to visit with his supporters and friends. Kinky also wants to visit with both Mr. Shami and Mayor White before making a final decision. We will keep our supporters and the media advised once a decision has been reached."
If Kinky does indeed leave the Governor's race, it will be interesting to see if he also issues a farewell endorsement of White or Shami and if he continues his campaign downballot or exits the primary entirely.
Lost in the hubbub of today's announcements by Bill White that he's getting in the Governor's race and Hank Gilbert that he's getting out and switching to running for Ag Commisioner was a statement from Kinky Friedman that he too is re-evaluating his candidacy and will have an announcement on Monday.
"I think that all of these things are good for the party and good for the ticket. We all want new leadership in Austin and I think each candidate should be evaluating how best to achieve that. Everyone on the ticket or thinking of joining the ticket should be thinking about what will be best for Democrats in November. We will take the weekend to visit with all of the candidates, my advisors, and many of my supporters and have an announcement about how I believe I can best support our party on Monday."
Don't be surprised if he moves to another race. And don't forget that one of the people in this particular smoke-filled room is former Texas Agriculture Commissioner Jim Hightower, who knows a little something about one of the agencies on the ballot.
I was aware that a high level meeting with Hightower had been set but missed the statement from Friedman's campaign that indeed, they are going to take the weekend to evaluate what the best role is for him to assist the Democratic ticket.
Don't be surprised if you see him exit the Governor's race Money. And don't be further surprised if you see him announce he's running for Land Commissioner.
Update:A portion of this interview was featured in the Star-Telegram's PoliTex Blog.
The Burnt Orange Report community may recall that we had the first exclusive interview with Tom Schieffer as his campaign for governor kicked off back in the spring.
Over the Thanksgiving holiday I had the opportunity to sit down with former Democratic candidate for governor, Tom Schieffer, once again. Given the political news that his exit from the gubernatorial race made this past week, we discussed his campaign, his exit from the race, his meeting with Bill White, and the future.
Well, Tom, you've had quite a week. Talk to me about how you feel today, about your decision, and where you go from here.
Well I feel good. I think it was the right decision. I think it gives the Democratic Party an opportunity to unite behind a candidate for governor that can win. That's what I was trying to do and that's the reason I ran in the beginning was to try to elevate the debate in Texas and start talking about the Democratic Party as a realistic alternative to what the Republicans have done over the last few years. Hopefully my actions Monday helped that process along.
Former Travis County District Attorney, Ronnie Earle, appears ready to swell the ranks of the Democratic field vying to be the Party nominee for governor of Texas. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported this weekend that Earle is "leaning toward" running for governor. Should Earle join the field he would be competing with former Ambassador Tom Schieffer, former candidate for Agriculture Commissioner Hank Gilbert, humorist Kinky Friedman, Garland therapist Mark Thompson, and school teacher Felix Alvarado.
In a telephone interview, Earle, 67, said he hasn't set a timetable but will probably make a decision "sooner rather than later." Earle served as Travis County District Attorney for 37 years until retiring in December of 2008. His office came under fire from Republicans for its investigation of DeLay, which ultimately resulted in DeLay's resignation from Congress after he was indicted in 2005 for violation of campaign laws.
In the same report, Earle claimed that because of his "deep roots" in Fort Worth that he feels he can compete in Tarrant County, which former Ambassador Tom Schieffer considers home base. Not only is Tarrant County Schieffer's home base, but he also feels he can compete and potentially flip it if he were the Democratic candidate.
I'm not certain why Earle feels he could gain traction in Tarrant County. The vast majority of Democrats that I socialize and work with here said, "who?" when I first mentioned to them that Earle was considering a run for governor. Many of the movers and shakers in Tarrant County have already quickly lined up behind Tom Schieffer too.
The fact that Earle made it a point to mention his Tarrant County roots indicates that he feels Schieffer is the man to beat early on in this primary campaign. It would appear Earle plans on defining himself as the anti-Schieffer candidate upon entering the gubernatorial race. This is a vastly different strategy than Hank Gilbert, who has entered the race and essentially ignored the other Democratic candidates and has effectively assailed the Republican candidates from day one of his campaign.
Just as a side note, this past Thursday Kinky Friedman made an appearance at the Colleyville-Grapevine-Southlake Democrats meeting. Friedman made a point to plug his book multiple times while he plugged his website zero times. Nor did he pass out any campaign material, ask for money, or ask for votes. Considering this isn't Friedman's first rodeo as a candidate for governor I don't know how much more amateur you can get when you don't at least ask for votes. Then again, perhaps his real motives were revealed in simply plugging books.
Key Point: Kinky Friedman believes that all the arm-twisting David Dewhurst did to bring voter ID to the floor in order to limit minorities' participation in elections is the exact same thing as LBJ working to pass the Civil Rights Act.
Kinky Friedman is not serious. We already have one joke of a Governor in Rick Perry, and Texas can't handle the failures of another one. He has no policy, he is not serious, he is not credible. Moreover, he has no intention of ever becoming serious, of becoming credible, or caring about policy for more than the two seconds it takes for him to exhale his stank-filled cigar smoke -- or for him to go on his next book tour.
The fact that he is now denigrating Civil Rights is just the latest in a long line of disgusting remarks he's made in the guise of running for office.
If you want the long list of questionable and ridiculous things he did in 2006, read it all here. If you forgot, and want to listen to the disgusting "jokes" -- jokes for which he never apologized, and still doesn't care about -- you can listen to them here. If you want to read his thoughts on policy, just remember what he said the last time he went on a book tour (re: ran for Governor):
"All the little issues you're talking about are all (expletive)," he said. "It's all (expletives)."
Friedman has a new book that’s about to come out, and it highlights his conversion to the Democratic Party. It’s called “Heroes of a Texas Childhood,” and he described it as a Profiles-In-Courage-type book that highlights the lives of folks including Sam Rayburn, Sam Houston, Ralph Yarborough, Molly Ivins, Ann Richards and Lady Bird Johnson. But, interestingly, not Lyndon B. Johnson.
“I don’t think he’s a hero,” Friedman said. “He’s not one of mine. I think he did a lot for civil rights but he demonstrated one way of doing things: arm-twisting in the Senate, petty points of procedure. If you go with LBJ, you could go with David Dewhurst, Bernie Madoff would be good.
Kinky Friedman believes that all the arm-twisting David Dewhurst did to bring voter ID to the floor in order to limit minorities' participation in elections is the exact same thing as LBJ working to pass the Civil Rights Act.
Not serious. Not credible. No policy. Just jokes, book tours, and now a backhand to the passage of the Civil Rights Act.
Tom Schieffer is running for Governor and has been largely unopposed since announcing. Currently the other filed candidates include Mark Thompson and Kinky Friedman.
Schieffer has announced he has raised nearly $800,000 in contributions and loans. The amount he has loaned his campaign has not be announced nor has the always important cash on hand total.
What is clear is Schieffer has more early money than any other Democratic primary candidate and he is putting together a war chest faster and earlier than Democrats did in 2006.
Here is the announcement in full:
It gives me the greatest pleasure to announce that my campaign has raised almost $800,000 in contributions and loans for this reporting period.
I am especially heartened by the fact that this money was raised during some very difficult times in Texas. People are worried about the economy, jobs, insurance rates, health care and utility costs. Still, enough people believed in what we are doing to invest their hard earned dollars in our cause. They did not give because I had the advantage of incumbency nor did they give because I held one office and was running for another. They gave us these resources because they believe I can lead a cause that will change Texas for the better. I am humbled by their confidence and will do everything I can to merit their continued support.
I am equally heartened by the diverse and distinguished group of Democrats who have agreed to chair the three components of my organization. Gilberto Hinojosa, former County Judge of Cameron County and member of the Democratic National Committee, has agreed to Co-Chair my statewide campaign along with long time Democratic activist Susan Longley of Austin. Former Speaker of the House Pete Laney of Hale Center and the Dean of Texas House Democrats, Representative Senfronia Thompson of Houston, who is also a member of the Democratic National Committee, will head up our Senior Advisory Committee, while former Ambassador Lyndon Olson, Jr. of Waco and Fort Worth civic leader Alann Sampson are co-chairing our Finance Committee.
These leaders represent the diversity and promise of Texas. They come from rural and urban areas. They have experience in the law, business, farming, politics, the clergy and the community. They believe in a Texas where everyone has a right to sit at the table and they have come together to change Texas. I am delighted to have their support, and I would be honored to carry the Democratic banner into next year's General Election.
Update: Sources inside the campaign are saying Shcieffer has $454,155 cash on hand.
Update 2 (By Michael): I just realized that this post was never updated with any loan info for Schieffer. So, sorry about this being significantly later than we could have gotten it out there. But Mr. Schieffer received $200,000 in a loan, the loan being from Lyndon Olson.
