Kinky to Drop Out of Governor's Race

He's always been one to shock and surprise the people of Texas, using wit and charm to further his political platform. Now Kinky Friedman is surprising people again, dropping out of the race for Texas governor, according to the Texas Tribune.

The writer instead will go after the position of agriculture commissioner. "This has never been about me; this has always been about what is best for the people of Texas and the Democratic Party," Friedman told the Texas Tribune Monday.

Tribune reporter Elise Hu broke the story on Monday's Texas Tribune edition, saying Friedman made his decision after meeting with gubernatorial candidates Bill White and Farouk Shami over the weekend. Both are seeking the Democratic nod for governor.

According to the Tribune, Friedman is declining on endorsing anyone right now, but said his visit with White made clear to him there is a better choice for Texans to make.

A Friedman spokesperson said he thinks agriculture commissioner would make a better fit, according to the Tribune, and received advice from a friend, former ag commissioner Jim Hightower.

In 2006, Friedman garnered 12% of votes for his bid for governor as an independent, according to the Tribune.