A Kinky Problem

Some laugh at the idea of Kinky Friedman as the next Governor of Texas. Some don't think it's even possible. Guess what, I agree. Kinky Friedman will not win the race to be the next Governor of Texas, but could he be a spoiler? Absolutely.

Just driving through San Antonio and Austin you see the ever growing number of Kinky bumper stickers. With a guy running on the motto, "Kinky, why the hell not?" you would assume that he is not a risk. Chris Bell should be eyeing this guy’s numbers, bumper stickers, and album sales if need be.

Kinky Friedman will get 2 - 5 points in the general, and they will be composed of fringe and left wing Democrats, as well as, green party members that would not usually vote. This 2 - 5 points could be the difference maker.

According to Byron LaMasters of Burnt Orange Report, Gubernatorial races are nearly impossible to predict, but Kinky has to be looked at as a major factor because of his minor influence. Unless Bell and his campaign can figure out a way to mobilize and energize the grassroots and college crowds to vote for him in the primary and general election Kinky will get on the ballot and dramatically affect the outcome.

The most important factor is that all anyone can do is speculate to who is actually running. Kinky is the only one who has actually started to "campaign". While many novice pundits like myself speculate that Kay Bailey Hutchison and Rick Perry will both compete for the Republican nomination, and Chris Bell will run, all we can do is speculate until they file. This gives Kinky plenty of time to establish himself as an option and introduce himself to college campuses across the state. This alone should equate to 2 - 5 points.

One thing Bell does have going for him is that the Republican primary promises to be an interesting and bitter race between Slick Rick and Kay Bailey. If the primary loads the proverbial gun and gives Democrats hope, it could minimize the affect of this "humorist, performer, mystery writer, and Texas Monthly columnist".

In any case this could be a very exciting election cycle, especially if Chris Bell can put together the ground game I expect.