Singer-songwriter-novelist turned politician Kinky Friedman is making some staff changes including some layoffs to focus on getting on the Texas ballot as an independent candidate for governor next year.

Campaign spokeswoman Laura Stromberg says part of the restructuring includes hiring as senior campaign aide Reid Nelson.

Nelson was campaign manager for former Vice President Dan Quayle during his first race for Congress in Indiana.

Campaign manager Dean Barkley says the campaign has also let go about four people.

State law requires that Friedman get 45,540 signatures between Mar. 8 and May 11 from people who do not cast a ballot in any party primary or runoff.

Gov. Rick Perry is seeking re-election, but Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn is challenging him in the GOP primary.

Former U.S. Representative Chris Bell of Houston is the Democratic candidate.

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