Is Kinky Serious?

KFDX Wichita Falls

He has been called a straight shooter and the anti-politician, but will voters actually take him seriously when they go into the voting booths in November? Independent candidate for Governor Kinky Friedman has been touring the state trying to drum up signatures to get on the ballot, and he was in Wichita Falls again today. Many people say they are behind Friedman and like his campaign, but is this just entertainment or is it the real deal?

We talked to a political science professor at MSU today who says that believe it or not, Kinky Friedman has a good shot at the Governor`s office. Friedman is not on the ballot yet, but if he gets there, many say his chances of winning are not that remote.

Kinky Friedman says he tells it like it is and he has been touring the state to try to become the first independent Governor voted into office since Sam Houston. But will voters buy it?

MSU political science professor Dr. Michael Flavin says, "The odds are heavy against him because he is not a Democrat or a Republican once he gets on the ballot, but nonetheless, he could be a revolution. There could be a revolution here in Texas."

Doctor Michael Flavin says Friedman does have at least a chance to become Governor because of appearances like the one today at MSU. Flavin says Friedman`s anti-politician attitude might pull votes across party lines from those who are fed up with business as usual in Austin. People who come to see him say it is his "tell it like it is" attitude that has won their vote.

Flavin says a large election turnout could work in Friedman`s favor, but first comes job one, getting on the ballot. Friedman says he needs about 46,000 signatures to get on the November ballot. He says he will have 100,000 by May 11th when petitions must be turned in.

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