Debra Medina Shakes Up GOP Governor Race In Texas
 

Insurgent Debra Medina Shakes Up GOP Governor Race in Texas

Following a series of elections where conservative activists, Tea Partiers, disgruntled independents and energized Republicans have shaken things up, a political neophyte in Texas is riding that same kind of wave and may affect the outcome of the race for the GOP gubernatorial nomination.

Debra Medina, who was a former GOP county chairman and runs a medical billing business, has pulled within four points of Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, who, like Medina, is mounting a primary challenge to Gov. Rick Perry, according to a Public Policy Polling survey conducted Feb. 4-7. (Read the Houston Chronicle's profile of Medina here.)

Perry still holds a big lead, running ahead of Hutchison by 39 percent to 28 percent, with Medina at 24 percent. The margin of error is 4.8 points.

This is the second poll that showed Medina gaining, probably at Hutchison's expense. Rasmussen Reports put support for Medina at 16 percent in a survey conducted Feb. 1, a four-point gain since the previous poll. Hutchison's numbers slipped by the same amount. Last November, Medina's support stood at 4 percent.

Medina made her gains in the PPP survey despite the fact that 51 percent didn't know enough about her to say whether they view her favorably or not. She is drawing her strength from the same kind of Libertarian base that rallied around Texas Rep. Ron Paul's presidential run, as well as the anti-establishment Tea Party movement.

The Houston Chronicle says Medina "has made herself a factor in the race. She could be a spoiler, pulling enough votes to deny Gov. Rick Perry the re-nomination. Or she could force Perry and U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison into an expensive runoff that could send a bruised nominee into a potentially tough battle against the probable Democratic nominee, former Houston Mayor Bill White."

PPP finds Medina supporters split about who they would back as a second choice. Forty-three percent chose Perry, 39 percent picked Hutchison and 18 percent were undecided.

A Rasmussen poll conducted Feb. 1 had all three Republicans ahead of White, although Medina's lead was statistically insignificant.

"The big question for Debra Medina is whether there's enough unhappy voters out there for her to get into a runoff with Rick Perry," said PPP's Dean Debnam "That would rank up there with the results of the Massachusetts Senate election as an early shocker in the 2010 political season."

Re: Debra Medina Shakes Up GOP Governor Race In Te
 

I am hoping she passes KBH, but am not sure she can catch up with Perry.

Re: Debra Medina Shakes Up GOP Governor Race In Te
 

I don't see her able to win, although I plan to vote for her.

I am concerned that the repub will give the democ ammo against them for the real race of R and D.

I do not want to see White as Governor of Texas.

Re: Debra Medina Shakes Up GOP Governor Race In Te
 

The thing that has me scratching my head here remains the same.

WHAT is Kay thinking??? This has done nothing to help her. she will not win this race and in the end this thing is going to do serious damage to her ability to be reelected in the Senate.

Medina may not be Gov. when this is all said and done, but she might very well beat Kay in a Senate race like a drum.

Re: Debra Medina Shakes Up GOP Governor Race In Te
 

I am very concerned with her comment that she will not vote for Perry or KBH if she does not win the primary. She is, in effect, directing her followers to do the same. Bad form on her part. I lost respect for her right there.

She might as well tell them to vote for White.

Re: Debra Medina Shakes Up GOP Governor Race In Te
 

She was in the single digits just weeks ago and now she stands at 24% with KBH @ 28% & RP @ 39%.

With a rise like that you still don't even think she can win?

Re: Debra Medina Shakes Up GOP Governor Race In Te
 

I think if she wins it is a strong message to the government, we are tired of your garbage.

She is doing better than I expected to be honest with you.

Re: Debra Medina Shakes Up GOP Governor Race In Te
 

She may have meant she is not going to vote. Which is still not a good message.

Hate to say it but I have lost respect for ALL politicans. Just have to look for the best of the lot. If there is such a thing.

Re: Debra Medina Shakes Up GOP Governor Race In Te
 

I concur... on both counts.

Re: Debra Medina Shakes Up GOP Governor Race In Te
 

Well, I admit to agreeing with you on that! I'm not 100% trustful of any politician and that would also include Perry.

I've just looked at the things Medina is saying she wants to change and I'm finding out it's not going to, probably, change at all.

My main issue is that she is proposing things that are in the FairTax, which hasn't been ironed out as totally operable. Her people are also saying, concerning the sales tax, that certain items such as food and medication could be kept exempt from the sales tax so that it would remain less burdensome on lower-income families.

They aren't saying they will be, but could be. So, really, the whole thing is just really iffy.

She is rising in the polls and that will send a message to the Government. I don't really have a problem with that. Her win certainly will not hurt us in any way.

I just have a problem with people crying - keep my guns and property - without searching further into whether her plans will ever get off the ground. That is my only problem with her candidacy.