Kinky Friedman says he is a serious contender for the Democratic nomination for Texas governor in 2010.
His only true competition at this time is Tom Schieffer, former owner of the Texas Rangers, he said.
"I would say that we have got to excite the grassroots," Friedman said. "We haven't done that since Ann Richards. I'm very excited about that. I think that if we can do that, then I think that means the Democrats will finally win (in Texas for the first time) in the past 20 years."
Friedman ran as an independent in 2006.
"People like somebody who has gotten knocked down and got back up to fight again," he said. "That's me. My heroes have always been Democrats."
Friedman played a small concert Thursday night at Pop's Safari and Wine Bar in Fort Worth for about 75 people. Comedienne Ruth Buzzi from the iconic '70s show "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In" was in attendance.
He is known for his satire and wit as a songwriter with song titles such as "Get the Biscuits in the Oven and Your Buns in the Bed" and "They Don't Make Jews Like Jesus Anymore."
