The pool of people diving into the race for Texas governor keeps getting deeper.
Kinky Friedman kicked off his campaign for governor of Texas Tuesday, this time as a Democrat.
"Texas I'm giving you one more chance," Friedman said.
His 2006 gubernatorial bid as an independent wasn't enough to earn him the state's top seat, but now the humorist and author is running as a Democrat.
"'Cause I've seen the light. And I should have run as a Democrat last time," he said.
Though Friedman will not compete with Democrats in the general election, this time around, he will shake things up the in the primaries.
"What it does to the Democrats is it really scrambles up their field," Political expert Harvey Kronberg said.
Kronberg said at this point, Friedman's name could be enough to earn him a nod in the primary.
"Everybody knows who Kinky Friedman is," Kronberg said.
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Kinky Friedman
News 8's Karina Kling talked to the gubernatorial candidate and people on the street about his bid.
 
Running for Governor
Friedman talks in more detail about his campaign and his decision to run for the governor's seat again.
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"They might not have a good impression of him, but he does have name recognition and nobody else in Texas can tell you who the other Democratic wannabes are right now."
Friedman said he is a serious candidate, who'll take on either of the two Republican titans vying for the seat. Those include current Gov. Rick Perry and U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison.
As governor, Friedman said he would give teachers a $3,000 pay raise, get rid of the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills test and eliminate toll roads.
"What we need really is a governor who's not afraid to offend people, who's not afraid to kick some ass and to stand up for right causes," Friedman said.
Friedman is planning a fundraiser with Willie Nelson later this month. He also hopes to raise grassroots money online like he did in 2006.
