Some days, being a journalist is just too easy.
Case in point: Today’s New York Times story by Ralph Blumenthal about Kinky Friedman, “the gadfly country singer and humorist,” who announced Thursday that, as threatened, he will run as an independent candidate for Texas governor in 2006.
“The choice should be something besides paper or plastic,” declared Friedman, whose repertoire includes the song “They Ain’t Makin’ Jews Like Jesus Anymore.” He will challenge Republican incumbent, Rick Perry, who, Friedman said “appears to be more interested in ironing his shirts than ironing out the problems of Texas.”
Blumenthal, a pro, knows when to stand back and let the story write itself.
“I’m a Jew,” said Mr. Friedman, who provided a rabbi for an invocation, “Trust me; I’ll hire good people.” He said he had received 37 write-in votes in the Iraqi election.
Luis Saenz, director of Texans for Rick Perry, responded that “Kinky has the potential to enliven the debate” but he added, “It appears that the Democrats are not the only ones who have been smoking something.”
Friedman — founder of the country-rock group Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys — is no political novice, writes Blumenthal.
Mr. Friedman said in an interview in 2003 that he hoped to avenge his 1986 defeat for justice of the peace in Kerrville, his hometown, where he runs an animal rescue ranch and writes mystery novels and a column for Texas Monthly magazine.
To get on the ballot he needs 45,000 signatures, none from anyone voting in a Republican or Democratic primary. But he voiced confidence, saying, “There’s so much apathy; that leaves me a lot of people.”
Excuse us, now. We’re packing our bags for Austin.
–Susan Q. Stranahan
Susan Q. Stranahan wrote for CJR.