I was intrigued the other day when humorist/author Richard “Kinky” Friedman announced his plans to run for the Democratic nomination for Texas agriculture commissioner.

The last comedian to run for the job, and actually win, was Jim Hightower. But the comparison with Friedman doesn’t stop there. Hightower didn’t have any ag experience when he ran for the office; neither does Friedman.

Friedman had pondered a run for governor as a Democrat in 2010. He pulled out when it became clear that no one was taking him seriously. Plus, Houston Mayor Bill White jumped into that race, becoming the immediate prohibitive favorite for his party’s nomination.

So, what’s Kinky going to do as agriculture commissioner? I have no clue.

I’ll say this, though: He’ll make us laugh.

Friedman ran for governor as an independent in 2006. He visited Amarillo, and interviewed with the Globe-News editorial board. He was engaging, candid, personable — and totally out of his element while seeking to become governor.

He’ll be all of that as he runs for agriculture commissioner.

Hightower served a single term in that office, losing to former rancher Rick Perry, who was succeeded by ex-rancher Susan Combs, who has been succeeded by one-time farmer Todd Staples.

Yes, the office needs someone who’s gotten actual dirt under his or her fingernails.

Kinky Friedman will make us laugh. But this office is too important for someone whose claim to fame is as a humorist.