The chart above was made with information contained in a recent Public Policy Polling survey (done between November 1st and 4th of 500 Texas voters, with a margin of error between 4.4 and 5.0 points). It shows the presidential preference of Texas Republicans. This might give you the idea that Texans are still enamored with their junior senator, Ted Cruz. And if you are just talking about GOP voters (especially the teabaggers), then you would be right. The teabaggers love the obstructionist tactics Cruz has employed since going to Washington, and they would like to see him run for president.But the rest of Texas is not so impressed. In fact, they are embarrassed by the antics of Ted Cruz. Note that half of Texans think Cruz has hurt the state's reputation, including 58% of Independents (and nearly a quarter of Republicans). Also, pluralities of all Texans and Independents say they would be less likely to vote for Cruz because of his orchestration of the government shutdown.
And while Texas Republicans are split over whether Cruz should run for president (with 43% saying yes and 42% saying no), all Texas voters say no by a 30 point margin (59% to 29%) and Independents say no by a 21 point margin (54% to 33%).
Teabaggers may be proud of Cruz, but the rest of Texas is not -- they are embarrassed. And with a little luck, he may be damaging not only himself but the Republican Party.
