Black aide cited in TV debate rejoins Kinky Friedman's campaign

HOUSTON ­- Turns out "Frank from Atlanta" really isn't from Atlanta.

But he is Frank. He is black. And he's now back in Texas to help his long time friend Kinky Friedman, who has been dogged by accusations of racism as he pursues his independent bid for governor.

"I'm here to help my buddy," Frank Mason, 62, who builds homes in Athens, Ga., said Wednesday.

Friedman cited "Frank from Atlanta" in the lone televised gubernatorial debate earlier this month when challenged to provide the name of a black campaign aide or friend involved in the race.

"Whenever he'd come to Atlanta for a book signing, that's where I would meet him," Mason said. "That's why he calls me 'Frank from Atlanta.'"

Friedman has been portrayed by critics as racially insensitive after his remarks that "thugs and crackheads" among Hurricane Katrina refugees in Houston were responsible for a spike in Houston crime. Opponents to his candidacy also found a recording of an old Friedman comedy act where he used racial slurs referring to blacks. State Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas, has appeared in ads calling Friedman a racist, and he was excluded from speaking to the state NAACP convention when his three major opponents were invited.

"It stinks," Mason said. "I see what they're saying, what they're doing. It's politics as usual. That's what it's all about."

Mason, who has no official staff title or role, said he spent two previous 10-day tours with the campaign earlier this year when Friedman was collecting signatures to qualify for the ballot. He returned Monday to join Friedman on the campaign trail.

Friedman was in Houston Wednesday, winding up the day with a $1,000-a-head fundraiser with Lyle Lovett as the featured performer.

"I'm doing whatever they ask me to do here," Mason said. "I'm not looking to take any steam from Kinky. He's such a good guy, such a good man. He's someone I love very, very dearly."

Mason said he and Friedman became friends more than 25 years ago when he worked at the Lone Star Cafe in New York City and the musician and humorist appeared. He said some other musician friends were watching the Oct. 6 debate on TV and called him after his name surfaced.

Mason then called Friedman.

"He said: C'mon down. And I said: I'm on my way," Mason said. "My flight was booked for the 23rd. And I'm here."

Friedman has denied being a racist.

"It hurts me," Mason said of the accusations. "And I know it's hurting him."

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