Kinky Friedman to run for Texas governor

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- Texas Republicans and Democrats alike are cheering the entry of humorist and country music writer Kinky Friedman into the 2006 gubernatorial race.

Legally named Richard S. Friedman, the man known as Kinky told the Austin American-Statesman he will charge the Alamo and enter the race by demanding the surrender of Republican Gov. Rick Perry.

By doing so, he'll have to quit his day job as Texas Monthly magazine's humor columnist, although he would still be free to write more country songs like "They Ain't Makin' Jews Like Jesus Anymore" or novels such as "Kill Two Birds & Get Stoned."

Both mainstream parties have said they welcome Friedman's independent entry as a way to draw more attention to issues.

Asked by the newspaper his stand on campaign finance, Friedman said: "A fool and his money are soon elected." On his lack of experience, he said: "Trust me. I'm a Jew. I'll hire good people."

But asked what he thought of the prospect of defeat, he said: "If I lose, I'm going to retire in a petulant snit."