Kinky Friedman in Abilene: 'At least he's upfront and honest,'

Fans say Kinky Friedman campaign no joke
Cigar-smoking author touts run for governor

By Janet Van Vleet / Reporter-News Staff Writer
July 1, 2005

Judging from the folks lined up Thursday at author, musician and columnist Kinky Friedman's book signing in Abilene, fewer people believe his gubernatorial campaign is a lark.
Friedman returned to the site of an October book signing - Texas Star Trading Co., 326 Cypress St. Most fans who crowded elbow-to-elbow to hear him speak realized the man with the big mustache and the unapologetic sense of humor is serious about his run as an independent candidate.
Before getting down to the business of book signing, Friedman stood on a figurative soapbox and spoke about what Texas needs in Austin - him.
''Folks, I can't screw things up any more than they already are,'' he said.
He talked about the importance of keeping the customer - the voter - satisfied.
One of the cornerstones of his gubernatorial platform revolves around educating Texas children. He's researched programs for funding education that he says the state of Georgia has made work.
''You know, when we visited with him on his first trip, we thought it was a joke, but I think he was serious,'' said Rhonda Moore while standing in line to get the Kinkster's signature. She said she likes what he has to say and how he says it. ''I think it's a good message.''
She stood in the line winding around the display tables in the gift and book shop with two friends, Margie Hughes and Lana Harris.
''At least he's upfront and honest,'' Hughes said about Friedman.
Holly Hays wore a Kinky for governor T-shirt and was second in line to get Friedman's signature on three copies of his latest book, ''Texas Hold 'Em: How I was Born in a Manger, Died in the Saddle and Came Back as a Horny Toad.'' She's read his books for years and said at first, she thought the campaign idea was a lark.
''But now I'm kind of into it,'' she said. ''He has a refreshing attitude. He's very irreverent and has a great sense of humor.''
The native Abilenian said she and her family take being Texans to heart, echoing a sentiment Friedman had spoken of just moments before.
''That's what I tell the people of Texas about this campaign - take it to heart,'' he said.

Contact arts/entertainment writer Janet Van Vleet at vanvleetj@reporternews.com or 676-6740.
source: http://www.reporter-news.com/abil/nw_local/article/0,1874,ABIL_7959_3896488,00.html