Sam, what do you think of Strayhorn in a primary challenge? I still have to look at the issues more, (and I know youre Dem), but I'm thinking I'm gonna vote for her.
The primary challenge will be the race in Texas next year, unless a real Democrat candidate comes along (Chris Bell=no).
Both Rick Perry and Strayhorn are former Democrats-turned-Republicans, but Strayhorn is the more "liberal" of the two, esp. on social issues and will be perceived as the more liberal candidate.
All being said, Strayhorn would prefer not to have a real Democrat in the race, as Perry is strong with the core constituent of Republican primary voters (if not Republican voters in general) in the state: social conservatives.
Strayhorn's way to winning is through reaching those Republicans who are disaffected with Perry, but more importantly getting Independents and Democrats to vote in the Republican primary. Texas has no party registration and at the beginning of each year you can change which party you vote in their primary (this is how John McCain came so close to defeating George Bush in the Republican primary of 2000). If there are no real Democrats for any statewide office to speak of, (as there presently aren't) it would be best-case scenario for Strayhorn.
A Perry approval rating in this poll of 47%-47% should translate to roughly 50% approve or so among RV in an adult poll in a state like Texas where there are so many unregistered or illegal citizens.
Nonetheless in a general election, Strayhorn could easily top 60% among present opponents, though Perry would be only around 55%-60% (can't see him topping that). The wild card here is Kinky, but I think he won't make a big enough difference to change things and might hurt the Democratic candidate more.
Both candidates of course, have their weaknesses. Strayhorn's is foot-in-mouth syndrome (a la Tom Coburn). Perry's is being the unlikeable good-looking guy who just seems uninteresting.
That's about all I can think of right now.
