Scotty's Mom
As you've heard by now, Carole Strayhorn is running for the Governorship of Texas as an independent. I guess that must mean that she can no longer be a Republican.

Anyway, Rick Perry's camp is correct in pointing out that Strayhorn is only doing this because she knows she cannot beat the money machine that Perry's going to crank up against his opponents.

But it may also be that she is doing herself and Perry both a favor. Going head to head with him in the primaries would have left both of them pretty bloodied.

Ideally, with Kinky Friedman and Strayhorn running as independents against Perry and whoever the Democratic sap is going to be, we might actually get an interesting race this time. Maybe events will lead to enough of a split to put one of the dark horses in.

As for me, I will not vote in the Republican primary so that I will be eligible to sign the petition to get Friedman's name on the ballot. I encourage my fellow Texans to do the same and preserve the viability of real choice in this state.

No, I'm not kidding.