Gubernatorial hopeful Kinky Friedman said Thursday night no child or teacher should be left behind, but Gov. Rick Perry should be when Texans go to the polls next year. Friedman expressed his views on education, gay marriage and other issues in Texas politics to a crowd at Ed Landreth Hall Auditorium.

Friedman, who is hoping to be on the ballot for the 2006 gubernatorial race, used his unique humor and uncommon political incorrectness to energize the audience.

Friedman, who needs 50,000 signatures between the months of March and May to gain a spot on the 2006 ballot, said after his speech that he was inspired by the TCU crowd. Students, faculty and other Friedman fans gathered to hear the candidate discuss his ideas on changing the political landscape in Texas.

Friedman said he has a problem with the way the current governor, Rick Perry, has used the gay-marriage issue as a political tool.

“Politicians are using God as a marketing tool,” said Friedman, whose own campaign slogan is “May the God of your choice bless you.”

Friedman used jokes to highlight the issues he believes are destroying the Texas political system, such as a lack of focus on education and the lack of protection at the border.

Friedman received the loudest applause when he announced his stance on education reform. Friedman said he is extremely disappointed that Texas is ranked 50th in the United States and that he believes schools should judge their success using test results.

“It takes a real dumbass to not appreciate the importance of education,” Friedman said.

He said he planned to let young people run the state because they are the future.

“My idea is to hire the very best people for jobs, simply because they are the best,” Friedman said. “Let’s have young people running the Education Department.”

Students said they were excited to hear Friedman’s views on education.

“He was definitely entertaining,” said senior political science major John Athon. “But he really draws attention to important issues that other politicians don’t address, like education.”

Another issue Friedman focused on was the two-party bickering that he said is hindering the political system in Texas. Friedman said the Lone Star State should make it easier to elect an independent.

“Texans don’t like the choice between paper or plastic,” Friedman said. “The last Independent candidate elected was Sam Houston.”

Friedman said that although other politicians think his campaign is a joke, he has some great ideas such as putting Willy Nelson in charge of energy.

“I came to see Kinky tonight because I heard he was funny as hell,” said Winnie Simmons, a junior social work major.

Natalie Trujillo, a junior English major, said she was excited to see how many students showed up for the speech. She is the TCU student contact for the Friedman campaign.

“It is a problem to get people to take him seriously, so events like this are a great chance for more exposure,” Trujillo said.