It appears Richard "Kinky" Friedman has withdrawn from his second attempt to run for Governor of Texas (this time as a Democrat and not as an independent) and switched races to Agriculture Commissioner.

Sound familiar? It should because Democrat Hank Gilbert did the same thing on Dec. 4, shortly before endorsing rival Farouk Shami.

According to the Houston Chronicle, Friedman, a humorist and Texas songwriter, switched races on the advice of former Ag Commissioner Jim Hightower, who thinks Kinky could beat Hank.

“This has never been about me; this has always been about what is best for the people of Texas and the Democratic Party,” Friedman said in a press release.

According to Gilbert campaign spokesman Vince Liebowitz, Friedman's intentions are not political but personal.

"Of course, Hank Welcomes Kinky to the race, however we're confident that Hank will prevail," Liebowitz told LSR. "Kinky is in the race, not for public service but for self-promotion.  We fully expect Democrats will recognize that."

Republican Ag Commissioner Todd Staples is seeking re-election for a second term. Gilbert opposed Staples on the general election ballot in 2006.

Other candidates include Houston Mayor Bill White on the Democratic ticket, and incumbent Gov. Rick Perry, U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and Debra Medina on the GOP ticket. Longshot and secessionist Larry Kilgore dropped out of the GOP race this afternoon.