2012 elections

Report: Rick Perry To Head Up Republican Governors Association

Eric Kleefeld | November 12, 2010, 3:56PM

Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX)

Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX), who just won re-election, is set to take the leadership of the Republican Governors Association, the campaign group tasked with helping to elect GOP governors across the country, Politico reports:

Perry recently released a book taking aim at the federal government and both the subject of the tome, "Fed Up!," and his promotion of it have increased speculation that he's eyeing a presidential bid.

But his appointment to helm the RGA heading into 2011 - when three states will hold governors' races - amounts to the first concrete evidence that the Texan is serious when he says he has no interest in pursuing the White House. It would be nearly impossible to raise money for the committee and help direct the gubernatorial contests in Louisiana, Mississippi and Kentucky while simultaneously running for president.

There is possibly an even more important question here. By taking part in a truly national organization to strengthen the Republican Party across the whole country, does this mean Perry has truly given up on secession?

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Jon Stewart

Rick Perry Denies Being A Secessionist On The Daily Show (VIDEO)

Jillian Rayfield | November 9, 2010, 10:41AM

Jon Stewart had Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) on his show last night. Perry has been known to contemplate Texas's secession from the union, as recently as last week advocating for Texas to be allowed to secede from Social Security. So Stewart asked him: "Would you like to see, at some level, Texas as its own country? A little bit? A little bit? United Republic of Texas?" Perry replied: "No."

The two also discussed the Supreme Court and "activist judges." Perry said: "We've got four Supreme Court Justices who are ---" Jon interrupted: "That you don't agree with." Perry replied: "That I don't agree with" -- then caught himself: "No!"

"We've got four that I think don't adhere to the Constitution," Perry said. Jon shot back: "So you believe the Constitution is that which the federal government can do that you agree with? In some respects? A little bit?"

"A little bit," Perry agreed.

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Social Security

Rick Perry: Let States Secede From Social Security (VIDEO)

Evan McMorris-Santoro | November 5, 2010, 12:59PM

Freshly reelected Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) just isn't ready to give up on the secession talk that made him a topic of conversation last year. Taking a national victory lap after his election to an unprecedented third term this week, Perry is out talking up his new plan to break up the union, kind of: It's time, he says, to let states opt out of Social Security.

Last April, Perry told some Austin tea partiers that though "there's absolutely no reason to dissolve" the union the state of Texas has been a part of for about 160 years, "if Washington continues to thumb their nose at the American people, you know, who knows what might come out of that." Texas, he suggested, could lead the charge.

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TX-GOV

Rasmussen Poll: GOPer Rick Perry Up Double-Digits In TX-GOV Race

Marc Kilstein | October 7, 2010, 3:21PM

Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX) and Houston Mayor Bill White (D)

A new Rasmussen poll of the Texas gubernatorial race finds Republican Gov. Rick Perry up 11 points on Democratic former Houston Mayor Bill White, 53%-42%.

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TX-GOV

Poll: GOPer Rick Perry Leads By 14 In TX-GOV Race

Marc Kilstein | October 5, 2010, 3:42PM

Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX) and Houston Mayor Bill White (D)

A new poll of the Texas gubernatorial race shows Republican Gov. Rick Perry with his largest polling lead in recent months against Democratic former Houston Mayor Bill White.

Perry leads 50%-36% according to the latest survey, which is the first Texas gubernatorial poll conducted by Public Strategies. When Rasmussen took a look at the race on September 22, the Republican was found up 48%-42% on White.

The TPM Poll Average has the incumbent governor ahead of White 47.5%-39.7%. The margin of error for the latest survey is ±3.7 percentage points.

For more on the race, check out TPMDC's full coverage here.

TX-GOV

Poll: Perry Leads By Seven In TX-GOV

Evan McMorris-Santoro | September 27, 2010, 6:12PM

Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX)

The Texas gubernatorial race could still be a close one, according to a new poll from a consortium of Lone Star State newspapers this weekend. The poll of likely voters was conducted last week and shows incumbent Gov. Rick Perry (R) leading Democratic nominee Bill White 46-39.

"It certainly looks like [Perry] is headed for another term," pollster Mickey Blum told the Austin American-Statesman. "Not that Bill White couldn't get it."

Still, internals of the poll show that's an uphill climb:

Despite White's yearlong effort to attract independents and Republicans, the race breaks down along party lines. Republicans and right-leaning independents largely support Perry, while Democrats and left-leaning independents prefer White.

But there are more Republicans than Democrats in Texas, and GOP voters are more excited about the election, so White has been stuck in second place.

Catching Perry will be difficult because the Texas electorate is relatively stable, Blum said.

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TX-GOV

Rasmussen Poll: Rick Perry Up 6 In TX-GOV Race

Marc Kilstein | September 24, 2010, 1:41PM

Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX) and Houston Mayor Bill White (D)

A newly released Rasmussen poll of the Texas gubernatorial race shows Republican Gov. Rick Perry up 48%-42% on Democratic former Houston Mayor Bill White.

When Rasmussen took a look at this race in late August, Perry was ahead 49%-41%. A September 6 PPP survey also had the race favoring the incumbent Governor 48%-42%.

The TPM Poll Average has Perry ahead of White 46.8%-40.8%.

For more on the race, check out TPMDC's full coverage here.

TX-GOV

Bill White Tells Black Audience: Rick Perry Wants To Be 'Treated As Master'

Jillian Rayfield | August 11, 2010, 1:09PM

Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX) and Houston Mayor Bill White (D)

Democratic Texas gubernatorial nominee Bill White, who is white, was speaking to a group of African-American leaders yesterday, and said that though he wants to serve the people of Texas, his Republican opponent Gov. Rick Perry wants to be "treated as master."

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2010 elections

Bill White Has More Money In TX-GOV Race Than Rick Perry

Evan McMorris-Santoro | July 16, 2010, 11:16AM

Bill White, Democratic candidate for Texas governor

Former Houston mayor Bill White (D) has raised more money -- and has more cash on hand -- than the incumbent Gov. Rick Perry (R) in the Texas gubernatorial race, according to financial reports out this week.

Perry, running for a third term as Governor of Texas, the job he first got after George W. Bush left Austin for the White House in 2001, raised $7.1 million between Feb. 21 and June 30, according to reports. White, who was the popular mayor of Houston after serving in the Clinton administration as a deputy secretary of energy, raised 7.7 million in the same period.

The biggest difference comes in cash on hand, however. Perry weathered an expensive primary during the period, while White faced only nominal opposition for the nomination. That left him with $9 million in cash on hand at the end of June. Perry reported $5.8 million. (Overall fundraising from the entire race shows Perry ahead in the money race, with $20 million raised in comparison to White's $16.6 million.)

The TPM Poll Average for the race shows Perry ahead by a margin of 47.4-40.9.

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2012 elections

Poll: Texas GOPers Don't Want GOP Gov. Rick Perry To Run For President

Eric Kleefeld | June 28, 2010, 3:39PM

Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX)

A new survey of Texas by Public Policy Polling (D) finds that even though Gov. Rick Perry has mobilized his Republican base on a Tea Party platform, there is nevertheless no appetite for their favorite son to seek the presidency. In a Republican presidential primary, Perry is way at the back of the pack.

The numbers: Newt Gingrich 23%, Mike Huckabee 18%, Palin 17%, Romney 14%, and finally Rick Perry and fellow Texan Ron Paul at 8% each. The survey of GOP primary voters has a ±4.38% margin of error. Furthermore only 14% of GOP primary voters think Perry should run for president, with 63% saying he should not.

"We still are very far away from the primary election. However it is interesting that Texas Republicans prefer leading national Republicans over their own Governor," writes PPP president Dean Debnam "especially when they chose Governor Perry over Senator Hutchinson, who many considered a Washington insider." (Referring to Perry's landslide win in his Republican primary this past March, when he was challenged by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison.)

Late Update: Perry really was dead last. When asked for comment, PPP told us that Ron Paul received exactly one more respondent than Perry did, with both rounding to 8%. Keep in mind that this difference has absolutely no statistical value, of course -- but it sure is entertaining.

TX-GOV

Bill Clinton Stepping Up For Bill White In TX-GOV

Evan McMorris-Santoro | June 24, 2010, 10:49AM

TX Gov candidate Bill White (D) and former President Bill Clinton

The positive headlines just keep on coming for Democrat Bill White this week. On the heels of polling numbers showing the former Houston mayor running close to incumbent Gov. Rick Perry (R) in the Texas gubernatorial race, White is now welcoming some support from his old boss, former president Bill Clinton.

Clinton will send an email on White's behalf today, calling on Texans to get behind the man who served as a deputy energy secretary during Clinton's first term before becoming mayor of Texas' largest city.

The email is highlights White's time as mayor of Houston during Hurricane Katrina, when the city welcomed thousands of displaced residents of New Orleans and the surrounding area. White's campaign has often heralded the period, for which Houston was widely praised, out on the campaign trail.

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TX-GOV

Poll: Rick Perry And Bill White Tied

Eric Kleefeld | June 22, 2010, 10:45AM

Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX) and Houston Mayor Bill White (D)

The new survey of the Texas gubernatorial race by Public Policy Polling (D) finds Republican Gov. Rick Perry in a tied race with his Democratic opponent, former Houston Mayor Bill White.

The poll has Perry and White at 43% each. The survey of registered voters has a ±4.4% margin of error. A key indicator of Perry's vulnerability is that his approval rating is only 36%, with 49% disapproval, while White has a favorable rating of 37%-25%. In the horserace cross-tabs, Perry leads among Republicans by 74%-15%, White leads among Democrats by 76%-10%, and White leads with independents by 42%-36%.

The TPM Poll Average has Perry ahead of White by 46.1%-40.8%.

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TX-GOV

Poll: Bill White A Threat In TX-GOV

Evan McMorris-Santoro | June 18, 2010, 9:53AM

Bill White, Democratic candidate for Texas governor

A new Rasmussen poll shows Texas Democratic gubernatorial nominee Bill White is running close to incumbent Gov. Rick Perry (R).

The poll, taken on Wednesday among 500 likely voters, shows Perry in the lead by a margin of 48-40. The poll has a margin of error of 4.5%.

Past polling has shown Perry with a wider lead. In the last Rasmussen poll, taken on May 13, Perry led 51-38.

The TPM Poll Average for the contest shows Perry ahead by a margin of 49.0-39.1.

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TX-GOV

Rasmussen Poll: Perry's Lead Over White In TX-Gov Race Jumps To 51-38

Ben Frumin | May 17, 2010, 9:24AM

Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX) and Houston Mayor Bill White (D)

Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) leads Democratic challenger Bill White 51-38 in the Texas gubernatorial race, according to a new Rasmussen poll. A month ago, Rasmussen showed Perry leading White by just four points, 48-44.

The TPM Poll Average in the Texas gubernatorial race shows Perry leading White 50.4% to 39.5%.

Perry beat Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) and tea party activist Debra Medina in his state's Republican gubernatorial primary, and now faces Houston Mayor White in the general election.

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TX-GOV

Poll: Perry Holding Lead Against White In TX-GOV Race

Jillian Rayfield | April 19, 2010, 12:12PM

Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX) and Houston Mayor Bill White (D)

The new Rasmussen poll of the Texas governor's race finds that Gov. Rick Perry (R) leads Houston Mayor Bill White (D) 48%-44%, basically holding his lead since the primary in March.

The TPM Poll Average shows Perry leading White by 48.1%-44.1%.

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Health care lawsuits

Health Care Lawsuits Splitting Govs And AGs Nationwide

Christina Bellantoni | March 30, 2010, 2:32PM

Clockwise, from top left: Gov. Ed Rendell (D-PA), Gov. Chris Gregoire (D-WA), Attorney General Bill McCollum (R-FL), Attorney General Tom Corbett (R-PA), Attorney General Rob McKenna (R-WA), Gov. Bill Ritter (D-CO) and a copy of the health care bill

Lawsuits challenging health care reform have popped up in several states and are drawn nearly entirely on partisan lines, in some cases fracturing top state government officials where the governor is a Democrat and attorney general is a Republican who joined the legal challenge. In Missouri, Lt. Gov Peter Kinder (R) so badly wanted to be part of the lawsuit that he bucked his Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon and the attorney general to say he'll be joining the other attorneys general on his own.

There are a handful of other splits across the country -- Michigan, Washington state, Pennsylvania and Colorado -- which create a tough political climate for anyone attempting to get something done at the state level. Louisiana is the one bipartisan example, with Gov. Bobby Jindal (R) and Attorney General Buddy Caldwell (D) agreeing to join the lawsuit.

The legal challenge has been the latest trend among Republicans, with GOPers trying to one-up each other on the question of whether health care should be repealed, deemed unconstitutional, or left alone. It's become a litmus test for conservatives.

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TX-GOV

Poll: Rick Perry Up By Six In TX-GOV Race

Eric Kleefeld | March 4, 2010, 6:51PM

Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX) and Houston Mayor Bill White (D)

A new Rasmussen poll of Texas, the first publicly released poll since Tuesday's primary, gives Republican Gov. Rick Perry a lead of 49%-43% over Democratic Houston Mayor Bill White, with clear potential for a close race this fall.

This number is essentially the same as a 47%-41% result that Rasmussen had two weeks ago, before the primary. White easily won the Democratic nomination on Tuesday, while Perry won with 51% in a three-way race, enough to avoid a runoff. The new poll gives Perry a 54% favorable rating and 46% unfavorable, with White at 54%-34%.

In the TPM Poll Average, Perry leads White by 48.4%-41.0%.

TX-GOV

Perry Apparently Wins TX-GOV Republican Primary -- And Hutchison Actually Concedes

Eric Kleefeld | March 2, 2010, 11:54PM

Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX)

Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX), who was being challenged in the Republican primary by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and Tea Party activist Debra Medina, has won renomination -- not just leading his competitors, but apparently surpassing the 50 percent of the vote needed to win outright and avoid a runoff.

It is not yet official that Perry truly did win more than 50% of the vote -- but it appears very likely. And in any case, Hutchison has conceded the race.

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TX-GOV

Today's Texas Primary: The Right, The Far Right, And The Really Far Right

Eric Kleefeld | March 2, 2010, 12:24PM

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX), and TX-Gov. candidate Debra Medina (R)

Today is a big day in Texas, with voters going to the polls in the primary election for governor and other races. The top-ticket item is the Republican primary, in which incumbent Gov. Rick Perry is being challenged by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and Tea Party activist Debra Medina.

Perry enjoys a substantial lead in the polls, but could end up falling short of the 50 percent support needed to avoid a runoff in April. The TPM Poll Average has Perry with 44.4%, Hutchison 28.9%, and Medina 17.6%.

The most interesting part of this race is just how Perry went from vulnerable to being out front, and the rise of the Tea Party narrative in the campaign.

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TX-GOV

Poll: Medina's Support Slips In Texas GOP Primary, Hurt By Truther Comments

Eric Kleefeld | February 23, 2010, 11:13AM

TX-Gov. candidate Debra Medina (R)

A new survey of the Texas Republican gubernatorial primary by Public Policy Polling (D) finds that tea party activist Debra Medina has lost some support, and could possibly have been hurt by comments that seemed to indicate that she might be a 9/11 Truther.

The numbers: Incumbent Gov. Rick Perry 40%, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison 31%, and Medina 20%. Three weeks ago, the numbers were Perry 39%, Hutchison 28%, and Medina 24%, with Hutchison in serious serious danger of falling into third place and missing out on a spot in the expected April 13 runoff.

About two weeks ago, Medina was asked during an appearance on Glenn Beck's radio show whether she believed in 9/11 conspiracy theories. "I think some very good questions have been raised in that regard, there are some very good arguments and I think the American people have not seen all the evidence there, so I have not taken a position on that," said Medina.

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Debra Medina

TX-GOV Candidate Medina To Speak Alongside Anti-Government 'Oath Keepers' Activists

Eric Kleefeld | February 18, 2010, 10:08AM

TX-Gov. candidate Debra Medina (R)

Debra Medina, the Tea Party activist and candidate in the Texas Republican gubernatorial primary who has attracted attention for her favorable comments about 9/11 Truthers and Birthers, is also involved with another extreme ideological movement: The Oath Keepers.

Will Bunch at the Philadelphia Daily News points out that Medina will appear this Sunday at an event in San Antonio, called "Taking Back Texas." The other two top-billed speakers are Stewart Rhodes, founder of the Oath Keepers movement, and Oather activist Richard Mack, a former sheriff of Graham County, Arizona.

The Oath Keepers, as detailed on their Web site, are a group that calls upon active and veteran members of the military, police and firefighters to take an oath that they will not obey any order they deem unconstitutional. The list of unconstitutional orders include enforcement of gun laws, detention of American citizens as enemy combatants, and impositions upon state sovereignty. The latter trends into areas of nullification -- an early 1800's ideological predecessor of secession, arguing that a state can unilaterally refuse to recognize a law of the federal government: "We will NOT obey orders to invade and subjugate any state that asserts its sovereignty and declares the national government to be in violation of the compact by which that state entered the Union."

Debra Medina

Medina: 'It's Healthy That People Are Asking Questions' About 9/11 And Obama's Birth Certificate (VIDEO)

Eric Kleefeld | February 12, 2010, 5:31PM

TX-Gov. candidate Debra Medina (R)

It turns out that Debra Medina, the Tea Party activist and candidate for the Republican gubernatorial nomination in Texas who clarified remarks yesterday that seemingly presented her as a 9/11 Truther, later that same day gave an interview in which she dignified both Trutherism and the Birthers.

"The 9/11 Commission report, you know, great sections of that are redacted and they're top secret," Medina said. "That makes us all wonder, 'well what's happening back there?' The same is true with the birth certificate thing. I think it's healthy that people are asking questions."

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Debra Medina

TX-GOV Candidate Medina: I Have Never Believed The U.S. Government Was Involved In 9/11

Eric Kleefeld | February 11, 2010, 3:30PM

TX-Gov. candidate Debra Medina (R)

Debra Medina, the Tea Party activist who has been polling a strong third in the Texas Republican gubernatorial primary, has released a statement doing some damage control for remarks from earlier today, in which she seemingly indicated that she was either a 9/11 Truther or was open to the idea.

"I don't have all of the evidence there, Glenn, so I'm not in a place, I have not been out publicly questioning that," Medina said, when asked by Glenn Beck on his radio show whether she believed the U.S. government was involved in 9/11. "I think some very good questions have been raised in that regard, there are some very good arguments and I think the American people have not seen all the evidence there, so I have not taken a position on that."

After the interview, Beck quickly washed his hands of any notion that he would support Medina. She has now posted a statement declaring that she is not a Truther -- but she also respects the idea of people questioning their government.

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Debra Medina

TX-GOV Candidate Medina: 'Very Good Questions Have Been Raised' About 9/11

Eric Kleefeld | February 11, 2010, 1:46PM

TX-Gov. candidate Debra Medina (R)

Debra Medina, the Tea Party activist who has been polling strong in the Texas Republican gubernatorial primary, appears to have just gotten herself in some serious political trouble -- indicating during an appearance on Glenn Beck's radio show that she could potentially be a 9/11 Truther, or is at least open to the idea that 9/11 was an inside job by the government.

"I don't have all of the evidence there Glenn so I'm not in a place, I have not been out publicly questioning that," Medina said. "I think some very good questions have been raised in that regard, there are some very good arguments and I think the American people have not seen all the evidence there, so I have not taken a position on that."

After the interview, Beck then ruled out any idea of supporting Medina. "I think I can write her off the list," said Beck, also adding: "Let me take another look at Kay Bailey Hutchison if I have to. Rick [Perry], I think you and I could French kiss right now."

(Via Politico's Ben Smith)

Rick Perry

Poll: Rick Perry Unpopular, But Still Ahead Of Dem Bill White In General Election Match-Up

Eric Kleefeld | February 10, 2010, 11:44AM

Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX)

The new survey of Texas by Public Policy Polling (D) finds Republican Gov. Rick Perry with a narrow lead over the likely Democratic nominee, Houston Mayor Bill White, in a general election match-up -- at the same time as Texans disapprove of Perry's performance.

The numbers: Perry 48%, White 42%. Perry is facing a primary challenge from Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and conservative activist Debra Medina, in which Perry is currently in the lead. In the other general election scenarios, Hutchison leads White by 45%-38%, and Medina leads White by 44%-38%.

The interesting part, however, is that Perry's approval rating is at only 33%, to 50% disapproval, and yet he still leads White in the general election. The reason for this is that Perry's approval among Republicans is only 51%-28%, but they pick him over White by 83%-10%. The Republican primary is serving to drive down both Perry's and Hutchison's favorables among their party base, as they compete for votes, but the base is sticking with the eventual party nominee (whoever it might be) for now.

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TX-GOV

Poll: Hutchison In Tight Race For Second Place -- And A Runoff Slot -- In TX-GOV Republican Primary

Eric Kleefeld | February 9, 2010, 12:12PM

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R-TX) and TX-Gov. candidate Debra Medina (R)

The new survey of the Texas gubernatorial race by Public Policy Polling (D) has some bad news for Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, who is challenging incumbent Gov. Rick Perry in the Republican primary. Hutchison is now just barely holding on to second place, and could be overtaken for a spot in the primary runoff by businesswoman and conservative activist Debra Medina.

The numbers: Perry 39%, Hutchison 28%, Medina 24%, with a ±4.8% margin of error. If no candidate gets over 50% of the vote in the primary on March 2, a runoff will be held on April 13. Hutchison has previously discussed this possibility -- but this poll suggests that there's a chance that she has to work hard to get into the runoff itself.

From the pollster's analysis: "Perry is at 39% to 28% for Kay Bailey Hutchison and 24% for Medina. There are major splits within the race along ideological lines. Perry is at 42% with conservatives, and Medina is now outpolling Hutchison with them by a 25-23 margin. Hutchison cleans up with moderates, leading Perry 49-29, but unfortunately for her prospects they account for only 20% of GOP primary voters."

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Rick Perry

Poll: Perry Up 15 Over Hutchison In GOP Primary, Runoff Possible Thanks To Strong Third Candidate

Eric Kleefeld | February 2, 2010, 5:48PM

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) and Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX)

The new Rasmussen poll of Texas finds incumbent Gov. Rick Perry continuing to lead Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison in the Republican gubernatorial primary. However, the leader in that race could end up remaining under 50 percent, and thus face a runoff, thanks to significant support for a third candidate.

The numbers: Perry 44%, Hutchison 29%, and Debra Medina, a nurse and conservative activist, at 16%. Two weeks ago, Perry was ahead by 43%-33%-12%. The pollster's analysis points out just how daunting the math is for Hutchison at this point: "Turnout is often difficult to project for primaries. However, for Hutchison to win with the current attitudes, she would need more than 50% of the primary voters to be politically moderate."

Hutchison pointed out recently that this race could be headed to a runoff. At the rate things are going, that could very well happen, which would extend the race from the March 2 primary all the way to the April 13 runoff. A big question is whether Medina can continue to have a high level of support -- and if Hutchison can stop her own political bleeding.

Kay Bailey Hutchison

Hutchison Switches Course, Won't Resign From Senate While Running In Primary For Texas Governor

Eric Kleefeld | November 13, 2009, 5:43PM

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) and Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX)

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) has announced that she will not resign from the Senate while she is running for governor of Texas, which she had previously planned on doing as she challenges incumbent Gov. Rick Perry in the Republican primary.

"A newly appointed senator would be selected in the midst of a political storm," Hutchison said in a statement that cited the battle against the Democrats on health care and energy legislation, "And will need on-the-job training in the midst of a crisis."

This comes after a Rasmussen poll today, which showed her trailing Perry by 46%-35% -- and which also showed that 60% of likely primary voters disagreed with her plans to resign. Perry had frequently been attacking Hutchison for the planned resignation, as well.

Although Hutchison had previously announced her intention to resign at some point, she is now spinning this new decision as herself bravely saying no to what others had told her to do: "Some have told me that for the sake of political expedience I should quit the Senate now to focus on winning the primary. To them I say, perhaps its time we elect a governor who puts a little less priority on what is politically expedient."

TX-GOV

Poll: Perry Leads Hutchison In Texas Gubernatorial Primary

Eric Kleefeld | November 13, 2009, 10:24AM

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) and Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX)

A new Rasmussen poll of Texas has Gov. Rick Perry ahead in his Republican primary in 2010, in which he is being challenged by U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison.

The numbers: Perry 46%, Hutchison 35%, with a ±3.5% margin of error. Two months ago, when Hutchison had officially launched her campaign and was touring the state, she had a 40%-38% lead.

One key question should give Hutchison pause: "Should Kay Bailey Hutchison remain in her position as senator while she is running for Governor?" The answer here is Yes 60%, No 26%. Hutchison has indicated that she will resign from the Senate -- a move that could possibly be hurting her.

TX-GOV

Perry Reacts To Cheney's Endorsement Of His Opponent: 'I'd Stick With Sarah' Palin

Eric Kleefeld | October 29, 2009, 11:12AM

Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX) and Fmr. Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK)

Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX) is brushing off former Vice President Dick Cheney's endorsement of Perry's primary challenger, U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison -- saying he'd rather have his current support from Sarah Palin.

Perry touted an upcoming endorsement from Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, as evidence of Republican support. Perry was then asked if he would rather have Cheney or Palin, who endorsed him back in February.

Perry's response: "I think I'd stick with Sarah."

Dick Cheney

Dick Cheney To Campaign For Kay Bailey Hutchison In Texas Gubernatorial Primary

Eric Kleefeld | October 28, 2009, 2:08PM

Fmr. VP Dick Cheney and Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX)

Former Vice President Dick Cheney may have left office overwhelmingly unpopular with the country at large, but he's headed back on the campaign trail -- to endorse Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) in her campaign for governor, challenging incumbent Gov. Rick Perry in the Republican primary.

Cheney is scheduled to attend a Hutchison fundraiser on November 17, an environment of Texas Republicans where he's probably still more popular than not.

In terms of endorsements, each candidate has a big GOP name in their corner. Cheney is for Hutchison, while Perry has previously been endorsed by Sarah Palin.