Kinky Gains

The polling in Texas shows that among the likely voters Kinky Friedman is at the bottom of the pack.

Republican Rick Perry has 36 percent, Democrat Chris Bell has 26 percent. Independent Carole Keeton Strayhorn has 19 percent and Independent Richard Kinky Friedman has 16 percent. Two percent were undecided and Libertarian James Werner has one percent.

What is the Kinky organization's take on the polls?

Friedman spokeswoman Laura Stromberg says she's not worried at all.

“We are really happy with where we are going and how we are polling,” Stromberg said. “The only polls out there show what likely voters think and Kinky is doing very well considering his whole strategy is go after the unlikely voter.”

Kinky's Campaign amplifies that statement.

Early voting began statewide this Monday, and the first two days of early voting give us plenty of reason to hope. Throughout the state, we've seen up to a 60% increase in voter turnout compared to 2002 figures. Why does this matter? Because only 29% of us bothered to show up at the polls last time, and we've said all along that if we see a surge in turnout, Kinky will win.

This is the same strategy Jesse Ventura used to win in Michigan in '98. It made him Governor of that state.

Some early voting numbers for Texas can be found here.