"Many of us feel that the soul of Texas may be riding on this campaign."
Friedman gets serious, telling voters to ignore primaries
02/21/2006
By SHEILA FLYNN
Associated Press
Copyright 2006
As early voting began Tuesday, independent candidate Kinky Friedman reminded Texans to bypass next month's primary elections and reserve their signatures for a petition that would put him on the November ballot.
"Don't vote in the primaries; save yourself for Kinky," the musician and author said in a speech to the Press Club of Dallas — before taking a shot at the petition process itself.
"This is just stupid and unfair and favors the incumbent," he said.
To qualify for the general election, Friedman and fellow independent Carole Keeton Strayhorn will have 60 days after the March 7 primaries to collect more than 45,000 signatures. That time frame could be shortened by runoffs.
Gov. Rick Perry faces minor opposition in the Republican primary. Bob Gammage and Chris Bell are the major contenders in the Democratic primary.
Friedman, despite his trademark cowboy hat, cigar and one-liners, struck a more serious tone Tuesday as he discussed campaign issues. He noted the attitude change, admitting that his run "started off rather humorously" when he announced his candidacy early last year.
Since that time, Friedman said, his role in the governor's race has taken on greater importance.
"Many of us feel that the soul of Texas may be riding on this campaign," Friedman said. "I would dearly love to be number one in something other than executions, toll roads and property tax."
On the first day of statewide standardized TAKS testing for some grades, he attacked the exam and "teaching for the test."
"Get it out of there," Friedman said, calling TAKS a test that "gives kids nervous breakdowns" and "proves nothing."
He said his administration would continue standardized testing but would change the system. Friedman offered few details but did suggest a way to finance education — through the legalization of casino gambling and new taxes on the oil industry.
"The good teachers are bailing out," Friedman said. "Education is very important ... this should be the centerpiece on the table of Texas."
Friedman also announced plans for renewable energy, suggesting the implementation of biodiesel operations "every 100, 200 miles."
"Texas can lead the country," Friedman said. "We won't be slaves to the Middle East."
And throughout his speech Tuesday, he continually praised the "Jesse Ventura model" and his desire to emulate the former Minnesota governor — who told Friedman he never met with a lobbyist during his time in office.
He also placed an emphasis on assembling a talented team, admitting that he knew his time as governor would require the support of a knowledgeable, dedicated staff.
"My plan is to find the very best people I can find, simply for the reason that they are the very best people I can find, simply so I can get ... out of their way and let them" work, Friedman said.
© 2006 The Associated Press: www.ap.org
02/21/2006
By SHEILA FLYNN
Associated Press
Copyright 2006
As early voting began Tuesday, independent candidate Kinky Friedman reminded Texans to bypass next month's primary elections and reserve their signatures for a petition that would put him on the November ballot.
"Don't vote in the primaries; save yourself for Kinky," the musician and author said in a speech to the Press Club of Dallas — before taking a shot at the petition process itself.
"This is just stupid and unfair and favors the incumbent," he said.
To qualify for the general election, Friedman and fellow independent Carole Keeton Strayhorn will have 60 days after the March 7 primaries to collect more than 45,000 signatures. That time frame could be shortened by runoffs.
Gov. Rick Perry faces minor opposition in the Republican primary. Bob Gammage and Chris Bell are the major contenders in the Democratic primary.
Friedman, despite his trademark cowboy hat, cigar and one-liners, struck a more serious tone Tuesday as he discussed campaign issues. He noted the attitude change, admitting that his run "started off rather humorously" when he announced his candidacy early last year.
Since that time, Friedman said, his role in the governor's race has taken on greater importance.
"Many of us feel that the soul of Texas may be riding on this campaign," Friedman said. "I would dearly love to be number one in something other than executions, toll roads and property tax."
On the first day of statewide standardized TAKS testing for some grades, he attacked the exam and "teaching for the test."
"Get it out of there," Friedman said, calling TAKS a test that "gives kids nervous breakdowns" and "proves nothing."
He said his administration would continue standardized testing but would change the system. Friedman offered few details but did suggest a way to finance education — through the legalization of casino gambling and new taxes on the oil industry.
"The good teachers are bailing out," Friedman said. "Education is very important ... this should be the centerpiece on the table of Texas."
Friedman also announced plans for renewable energy, suggesting the implementation of biodiesel operations "every 100, 200 miles."
"Texas can lead the country," Friedman said. "We won't be slaves to the Middle East."
And throughout his speech Tuesday, he continually praised the "Jesse Ventura model" and his desire to emulate the former Minnesota governor — who told Friedman he never met with a lobbyist during his time in office.
He also placed an emphasis on assembling a talented team, admitting that he knew his time as governor would require the support of a knowledgeable, dedicated staff.
"My plan is to find the very best people I can find, simply for the reason that they are the very best people I can find, simply so I can get ... out of their way and let them" work, Friedman said.
© 2006 The Associated Press:
posted by Porkus Maximus Tex: at Tuesday, February 21, 2006
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