Kinky goes to court

Independent gubernatorial candidate Kinky Friedman testified yesterday in the highly publicized trial of Max Alexander Soffar, who has served more than 20 years on death row for killing three people in a bowling alley in northwest Houston. Soffar's conviction was eventually overturned, and now defense attorneys hope Friedman's testimony can keep their client out of the electric chair.

Kinky made his courtroom debut donning black and used the opportunity to announce he has switch stances since last year and is now against the death penalty.

"They've got the wrong guy," he said. "That's what I know. That's what I believe." Later he said, "The (criminal justice) system is not perfect. Until it's perfect, let's do away with the death penalty."

Friedman said he met Soffar in prison as he was writing a story for Texas Monthly. He met him once more after that, and they exchanged letters and phone calls.

Victim's family members were less than impressed by the testimony from the celebrity candidate.

"It's impossible to develop a friendship behind Plexiglas while a man is on death row," said Jackie Bryant, a sister of one of the victims, outside the courtroom. "I'm appalled by (Friedman's) actions."

Jury consultant Nona Dodson said jurors will weigh Friedman's political views to determine whether or not his testimony should be taken seriously.

Kinky will make an appearance in Clear Lake for a fundraiser on Sunday.