Prepare for Kinky's Surprise

I've been involved in politics since 1980 when I was a leader in Students for Reagan and Young Conservatives of Texas but have never seen anything like the Kinky Friedman phenomenon. According to the polls, Governor Rick Perry should win handily with 38 percent of those supporting him. Strayhorn and Friedman have around 20 percent each and Democrat Chris Bell is a distant fourth at 14 percent (and dropping). According to virtually everyone I talk to -- be they liberal Democrat or hard line conservative -- Friedman is going to win hands down. I know you have to worry about the validity of anecdotal information, but something is clearly going on here.

I'm beginning to believe that voters might be uncomfortable with telling a pollster they are voting for a rather unconventional independent like Friedman, but are comfortable doing so when visiting with a friend. The question these voters need to ask, is where does Kinky stand? He only talks about a wall between Mexico and Texas and the need to govern differently than "the politicians" (will he become a politician after this election?). He has a long history as a liberal activist and I believe the largely conservative state will be shocked by how he will govern. The only ones who might be more surprised by a Kinky election than the pollsters, are the voters. I don't think it will be a pleasant surprise.