2008 Woodie Awards
A Kinky candidate for Texas
John Seidner
Issue date: 2/6/06 Section: News
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Friedman is attempting to get on the November ballot for governor of Texas and is currently campaigning throughout the state. He made a recent stop in downtown Grapevine at Wilhoites, a saloon-style restaurant, and spoke with campaign volunteers.
"This is what Sam Houston fought for and this is what Davy Crockett died for. I believe that the soul of Texas is now riding on this campaign," Friedman said.
A recent Houston Chronicle story said to gain access to the ballot Friedman and the other independent candidate comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn need 45,450 valid signatures each from different registered voters within 60 days after the March 8 primary. That number of voters equals one percent of the votes cast in the 2002 Texas governor's election. The signatures must be from people who did not vote in the March 8 primary.
According to Friedman, Governor Rick Perry has been too focused on banning gay marriage. "In so doing he has ignored the two most important issues that face all of us, education and the border," he said.
Friedman said he feels education should be of obvious importance to citizens. "It takes a real dumbass not to understand the value of an education," Friedman said.
With regards to Texas' rank in education, he said: "We are now, as you probably know, 50th in education. The folks in Mississippi are saying thank God for Texas. We're gonna turn that thing around folks."
He said he plans to get rid of teaching to the test. "I plan to put teachers back in charge and to appoint people who have seen the inside of a classroom in their lifetime," Friedman said.
Friedman provided the audience with several of his famous one liners including: "I wish Texas could be first in something besides executions," "May the God of your choice bless you," and "I'll sign anything, but bad legislation."
