Getting Kinky in the Tall City ...

At the halfway point of a campaign swing through Odessa-Midland, Kinky Friedman - singer / songwriter / author / candidate-for-governor / and sworn enemy of the 'wussification' of Texas - stopped at this month's meeting of the Permian Basin Landman's Association. Having very close contacts with at least one landman in the Tall City, I was invited for dinner, drinks ... and the most refreshing dose of political punditry to blow through the Lone Star State since ... well ... ever ...

Sporting that black felt hat, and puffing on the trademark cigar, Friedman worked the crowd and worked it well ... no one was turned away, no topic was off-limits, and no idea was too outrageous ... the fellow next to me wanted a spot on the Railroad Commission when Friedman is elected governor.

Me? I wanted a spot on the Texas Film Commission.

But that's nothing compared to what Friedman supporter - and fellow singer / songwriter / author - Jimmy Buffett reportedly wanted in return for his support of Kinky's campaign!

The turnout for this month's PBLA meeting was unusually large. One reason is, it was 'executive night' (an annual gala) and the occasion to mark the 'changing of the guard' on the organization's board ... but, I heard over and over again ... a chance to meet Kinky was also a big draw.

Response to Friedman's presentation was large, and genuinely appreciative ... whether it was laughter at his jokes, or agreement with some of his suggestions about how to solve the problems that plague 'politics as usual' in the Lone Star State.

That presentation closed on a serious note, when Friedman read one of his contributions to Texas Monthly ... a short piece called, "The Navigator," a tribute to his dad and a reminder of the things that have made our country great. There were those I spoke to, afterwards, who said they might seriously consider voting for Tom Friedman's son.

So, does Kinky Friedman stand a snowball's chance in ... well, you know ... of winning the election?

To quote him ... "Why the hell not?"

And, even before we go to the polls this November, have we, 'the people,' already won something from Friedman's candidacy?

I think so ... it is my fervent hope that Friedman's unrelenting candor and openness will rub-off on his three main opponents - all three of whom would qualify as career politicians - and maybe ... just, maybe ... raise the bar a little on open, candid debate, and a serious discussion of the issues in the campaign ahead. That would be good for all of us.

It is also my hope that his independence and his outrageousness - as compared to the carefully crafted and blown-dry image of his opponents - might attract more people to the polls, especially young people.

If he can accomplish that, then the State of Texas - as a whole - could be a winner.