In a four-way race for Texas governor, Gov. Rick Perry (R) earns just 40% of the statewide vote in a new Rasmussen Reports poll. Carole Keeton Strayhorn (I), the Republican recently turned independent, attracts 21% of the vote (including 17% of Republicans). Chris Bell (D) is in third place with 14% and another Independent, humorist Kinky Friedman (I), attracts 12%.
"Perry, with a 19-point lead, must still be considered the favorite in this race. But, he is far less comfortable than he was when Strayhorn was challenging him in the Primary. The unusual dynamic of a Republican official challenging a Republican Governor in a General Election could make for a wild political season in Texas."