CORPUS CHRISTI - Independent candidate Kinky Friedman was in Corpus Christi Sunday afternoon. He told supporters outside Tobacco World on Airline, that he's not a politician at all and most Texans want a change. Friedman mentioned legalized casino gambling as one solution to our state's problems. He also talked about other issues he says are at the top of his list. "Immigration is right at the top. Crime wave in Houston. I've been called a racist for saying the crackheads and thugs are staying in Houston. Well, I'm not a racist, I'm a realist. Talk to people in Harris County, and they'll tell you," Friedman said. He said if he's elected governor, he'll have more officers on the streets, putting a dent in Houston's rising crime rate. Also Democratic candidate Chris Bell attended a public rally hosted by elected officials and Latino community leaders throughout the Coastal Bend. At his campaign stop at the Communications Workers of America Hall, the former U.S. Congressman said education reform is the most important issue. Bell also spoke about the over reliance on the TAKS test. "We shouldn't be basing a decision as to whether a child moves forward in school, and how a school will be ranked, and now how much merit pay a teacher will receive all on outcome of one single test," Bell said. Bell said that issue has helped his campaign pick up steam. COURTESY KRISTV.com