Kinky Turns in 169,000 Signatures

AUSTIN, Texas -- May 11, 2006 -- Independent gubernatorial candidate Kinky Friedman today declared he has nearly four times the number of signatures required to get him on the November ballot.

"Today, the people of Texas are sending a message to the politicians who have run our beloved state into the ground. The people have spoken loud and clear. It's time to take our state back from the Republicans and Democrats who've caused this train wreck. We're going to make Texas great again. We cannot be stopped," Friedman said.

The campaign delivered 11 boxes containing 169,000 signatures to the Secretary of State's office during an afternoon rally in downtown Austin.

"In these boxes are the signatures of Texans representing every single county in the state," Friedman said. "And they're all saying the same thing. 'We're angry, and it's time for change. The politicians who got us into this mess are not the same politicians who are going fix Texas. We want a chance to vote for someone who loves Texas, has no personal agenda and is going to listen to the people. They know I'm that person.'"

Friedman, whose campaign also submitted a CD containing an electronic database of each signature, urged Secretary of State Roger Williams to get the signatures validated in a timely manner.

"We have done far more than the laws of Texas require," Friedman said. "In fact, we've done most of Mr. Williams' job for him. We used our time and our limited resources to work with his office rather than against it. That's good government in action. That's how my campaign operates, and that's how this state will operate when I'm in charge - not fighting one another but working together.

"We urge Mr. Williams to expedite this process and avoid any foot-dragging or political gamesmanship. It is his duty and obligation to certify our candidacy as soon as possible."
Nearly 98 percent of the signature collectors were unpaid volunteers, according to Friedman's petition consultant Laureen Oliver.

"I've never seen anything like this. Kinky is an anomaly," said Oliver, founder and former chairwoman of the New York State Independence Party and a petition drive veteran. "Kinky's petition drive was led by people, not dollars. Because of this, his campaign will emerge with a bonafide field operation built with volunteers and supporters who truly believe in him. You can't buy this kind of support."

Friedman thanked everyone who signed his petition and extended a special thanks to the county coordinators in more than 100 counties who worked long hours to collect signatures and assist with volunteer organization.

"The real work is just beginning," Friedman said. "I'm humbled by your support, and I won't let you down. Let the revolution begin."