Concern for the economy has grown 58 percent in the three years the Texas Lyceum has conducted its statewide poll on politics and attitudes. But a majority of Texans think our state’s economy is healthier than the national economy.
2 to 1 believe that the federal government is spending too much money. That may be why more than half support Governor Rick Perry’s controversial decision to reject a half billion federal stimulus dollars.
When questioned about requiring photo identification to vote, an overwhelming 71 percent said yes, but Pollster John Henson said that this issue is never brought up when people are asked what is most important.
The Texas Lyceum poll was conducted by telephone between June 5th and June 12th. The poll has a margin of error of about three percent.
More at KERA.
Happy Friday!
The talk of Texas secession is an effective way for Gov. Rick Perry to fire up his base. Almost half of Texas Republicans say the state would be better off as an independent nation. Apparently there isn’t much to be said in keeping your powder dry or employing escalating tactics. Before the new president even has 100 days under his belt, an irksome Texas Governor is ready to call the whole thing off. It’s gotta be tough to put fire in the belly of your base when you’re the longest serving executive the state has ever had. Perry’s doing it. But is that fire giving the rest of the Texas Republican Party indigestion? No doubt someone in Kay Bailey Hutchison’s campaign office has a theory on this one. In the meantime, let’s just sit back and enjoy the comedy gold that Perry has handed to the world. 
That One: The guy that Perry is railing against seems to be doing okay in his new office. GALLUP –“In First 100 Days, Obama Meets or Exceeds Expectations … President Obama begins the second 100 days of his presidency with 56 percent of Americans believing he has done an excellent or good job thus far, and only 20 percent saying he has done a poor or terrible job.”
Ready The Militia: If Texas does secede, even Austinites will be ready to defend the independent nation. KUT reports gun and ammo sales are up as well as requests for conceal-and-carry licenses in Austin. This seems to be true across the state as well.
GM Troubles Unfold: GM’s Arlington plant will close for 9 weeks. KERA reports the company told workers the shutdown would help dealers cope with oversupplies and sagging sales.
Breathe Deep: Shell Oil and citizen environmental groups have reached a settlement that will reduce emissions at the company’s Deer Park facility. Shell also agreed to pay out $6 million to retrofit diesel burning school buses and start a pilot solar program for public buildings. KUHF has the details.
