Kinky Friedman

According to an article in the August 31, 1995 New York Times, Friedman says he is "of the Jewish persuasion," but he adds "I'm not religious."

Friedman remarked in the January 2000 'Door' (magazine?) "I'm a charismatic atheist. I admire atheists, and the older they get the more I like them."

He was a member of the Texas Jewboys. He is also a published author.

Kinky Friedman is running for governor of Texas in the 2006 gubernatorial election.

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Mr. Friedman's comments on the January 22, 2006 edition of 60 Minutes seem to be enough to put him into the Ambiguous category, if not remove him from this list altogether.

"The Ten Commandments. The Ten Commandments being taken out of the public schools... I want them back, they belong there. Maybe I'll have to change their name to the Ten Suggestions, you know. But they were taken out, not by separation of church and state, but by political correctness gone awry. One atheist stands up and says, 'I don't like the Ten Commandments,' and suddenly out they go. And, of course, we all know what happens to an atheist when he dies. His tombstone usually reads, 'All dressed up and no place to go.' ... Now, if that's comparing myself to Jesus, I don't really think it is. But, the Jesus in my heart is a Jesus with a sense of humor. And, personally, I think he's enjoyin' my campaign as much as anybody right now. I think he is. ... I'll tell you right now. I'm for prayer in school. I say what's wrong with a kid believing in something? I don't care if it's a tree or a rock or something, he should believe in something."