The Kinkster ain't blowin' smoke about saving horses.

Where do failed gubernatorial candidates go?

Well, in Kinky Friedman‘s case, the state House. Kinda. The Kinkster will be down at the Capitol south steps today at noon, fighting the reopening of horse slaughter houses. The committed animal-welfare activist and founder of Utopia Animal Rescue Ranch is will be there taking part in a rally against House Bill 2476, organized by Texas Humane Legislation Network, Society for Animal Protective Legislation, the Humane Society of the United States and Habitat for Horses.

Heavy pol watchers may recall that, during his campaign, two of the world’s most famous Jewish cowboy’s TV ads – “The Good Shepard” and “The Cowboy Way” – showed him surrounded by animals. One campaign professional (not involved in a Texas race) saw the slot, especially the shot of Kinky surrounded by his equine buddies, and asked out loud, “Is it really a good idea for a politician to have people associate his name with ‘horses ass’?”

On this occasion, that’s probably exactly what the Kinkster is hoping for.

This article appears in April 13 • 2007.

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The Chronicle's first Culture Desk editor, Richard has reported on Austin's growing film production and appreciation scene for over a decade. A graduate of the universities of York, Stirling, and UT-Austin, a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic, and eight-time Best of Austin winner, he's currently at work on two books and a play.