Texas is at a crossroads.

For too long our state’s politicians have put off big issues like school finance and opted to “wait until next year.”

Unfortunately for Texans, next year was about four years ago.

Both Republicans and Democrats have failed at serving the state’s needs and have stained Captiol building with a partisan bloodbath over the past few sessions. The noted civility and ability to reach across the aisle to do what is best for Texas seems like a quant relic.

The 2006 gubernatorial race is a chance to shake things up and end business as usual in Austin.

That is why we enthusiastically endorse independent Kinky Friedman for governor.

His ability to bring in new voices and not have to tow the line of a political party makes him the best candidate to address the growing number of challenges Texas faces.

The school finance plan the legislature passed (and only passed because a gun was being held to their head by a state court) is not permanent and will not work. You cannot solve a funding problem by cutting property taxes and praying for a budget surplus every year.

Friedman’s plan to legalize casino gambling and direct all monies toward education is a sure way to keep Texas schools funded.

Another failure of the Perry administration is the drastic cuts to the Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHI P). Texas is last in the nation as far as children covered with health insurance.

Friedman’s “TexasCare” health insurance plan would not only increase the number of children covered, but also allow adults to receive affordable health care. The subsidized plan would have four-tiers of coverage – ranging from inexpensive coverage of the lowest income children all the way to standard co-pays for single adults without children.

The biggest challenge Friedman has is getting his supporters to the polls.

His largest constituency is Texans who stayed home in 2002. If they want change, they have to show up on Election Day.

The thought of Rick Perry becoming the longest serving governor in Texas history is downright shameful. The best thing about his administration has been his hair – and we will admit, his hair is fantastic.

But his leadership is lacking.

The legislature has been called into special session seven times during his term to deal with issues, either redistricting or school finance, that were not dealt with during the regular session.

Friedman brings not only a unique perspective to the Governor’s Mansion, but a passion to do what is right for the people of Texas, not what will appease his contributors.

We appreciate his call to young people to get involved – and we hope our fellow students will join us in voting for him this year.