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Volume 71, Issue 155,
Tuesday, August 1, 2006
News Friedman rallies support Indepedent touts proposed policies in Village beer garden by Justin Knapp
Independent gubernatorial candidate Kinky Friedman brought his message of legalized gambling and alternative energy to supporters Saturday at a local beer garden. Holding a glass of Murphy's Irish Stout in one hand and his trademark cigar in the other, Friedman addressed supporters at Han's Village Bier and Vino Haus in Rice Village. Along with taking some shots at his opponents, he also entertained the crowd with some jokes and promoted his policies. Included in his policies is the legalization of casino gambling.
Gubernatorial contender Kinky Friedman mingles with supporters Saturday afternoon at a bar in Rice Village. The musician-and-author-turned-politician wants gambling in Texas legalized and the revenue used to bolster education funds. Justin Knapp/The Daily Cougar "We invented Texas hold ‘em but we can't even play it," Friedman said. His plan, which is critical of the current Texas Lottery's funding of education, would allow the legalization of casino gambling in the state of Texas and increase the amount of education funds through the casinos and the current lottery. His plan would funnel millions into the Texas schools and cut property taxes. "I just returned from a fact-finding trip to Las Vegas. The main thing I learned is that half the people there are from Texas," Friedman said. Along with gambling, Friedman talked about energy, specifically alternative fuel. He backs Willie Nelson's biodiesel push and his effort to get Texas more involved with the alternative fuel. Nelson is involved in one of Texas's biggest biodiesel companies and has spoken several times at the Capitol about biodiesel. Friedman addressed how important the younger voters are to his candidacy in the coming race. He pointed out that they do vote and believes they are more concerned than ever about the current state of Texas and are seeking active roles. Following his speech, Friedman met with supporters. Outside in the 91-degree heat he signed Kinky Friedman talking dolls, books and other memorabilia. "The Texas train is off the tracks, folks. The train is in the ditch. Nov. 7, we're going to get the train back on track," Friedman said. Former Mayor of El Paso Bill Tielman attended the rally and spoke briefly to the crowd in support of Friedman. "The two-party system is broken," Tielman said. "And the solution is Kinky Friedman." Friedman is 61 years old and describes himself as a "compassionate redneck." Friedman has never held a political position. "We don't need a politician as governor anymore. What we need is a non-politician, someone who isn't a politician, and will do better than any politician," Friedman said. Friedman also commented on the issue of his open container in a vehicle in Dallas. He was the Grand Marshall of the Dallas Saint Patrick's Day parade and was drinking a Guinness beer in the Grand Marshall's vehicle. "I admit to drinking the beer," Kinky said. "But I did not swallow." Friedman's careers include country singer and songwriter, novelist,
columnist and political activist.
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