A mid-June statewide survey found Texans still focused on the nation’s economic downturn and its effect on their lives. More than three quarters of those surveyed rated the economic well being of the country as worse off than one year ago. Forty-one percent of those surveyed rated their own economic well being as somewhat or a lot worse off than a year ago.

Interest in the March 2010 primary elections increased somewhat over the February-March survey, but many Texans remain undecided, suggesting that media and insider interest in the upcoming electoral season has not become more generalized. Of those who signaled an intent to vote in the Republican gubernatorial primary, incumbent Gov. Rick Perry led by 12 points overall and 11 among registered voters, with more than 30 percent still either undecided or saying that they would vote for “someone else.” These primary results have a margin of error of 5.14 percent for all primary voters and 5.24 percent for registered primary voters. In the early stages of the Democratic contest for the nomination, over 70 percent are undecided or prefer “someone else,” with Kinky Friedman leading with a meager 12 percent, Leticia Van de Putte (who has since dropped out of the race) registering 7 percent, and Tom Schieffer receiving just 2 percent.

The poll surveyed 924 Texans and was conducted June 11 to 22, 2009. Texans were asked about several issues discussed in the recently concluded 81st Texas Legislature, about their views of the economy and about their initial views of the candidates emerging in the early stages of the 2010 Governor’s race and possible election for the U.S. Senate, should Kay Bailey Hutchison resign her seat.

Other highlights of the survey results include the following:

• Texans were mild in their support of both national and state political leaders. Gov. Rick Perry’s performance as governor was approved of by 42 percent of the respondents, with 32 percent disapproving and 28 percent choosing neither. At the extremes, 13 percent approved strongly and 17 percent disapproved strongly. President Barack Obama registered 43 percent approval, 46 percent disapproval, and 11 percent opting for neither. The president was a comparatively polarizing figure with 22 percent approving strongly and 35 percent disapproving strongly.

• While political insiders have been watching the jockeying among potential candidates for the U.S. Senate in the event that Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison resigns her seat, Texans remain noncommittal, at least when asked to choose among the most oft-discussed candidates. Of a field of eight candidates, only one candidate made it into double figures among registered voters: Former Comptroller John Sharp received 10 percent, followed closely by Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst with 9 percent. Bill White, the mayor of Houston, received 7 percent and Attorney General Greg Abbott received 6 percent. No one came close to those choosing undecided: 62 percent.

• The poll asked about several issues that figured prominently in the just-concluded legislative session. As with the last UT Austin poll, there was evidence of significant support for requiring a photo ID in order to legally vote (70 percent in favor versus 17 percent against) and for the most permissive changes to state law regarding gambling (40 percent in favor allowing full casino gambling in Texas, with another 20 percent favoring more limited expansion of gambling). The proposed statewide ban on smoking in most restaurants and public places was supported by 63 percent of the sample and opposed by 31 percent. When asked about whether Texas should accept or reject over $500 million in federal stimulus money to extend unemployment benefits, 36 percent favored accepting the money, 43 percent favored rejecting it, and 21 percent didn’t know.

• On other issues: June results included mixed support for some form of gay and lesbian union. When asked, “What is your opinion on gay marriage or civil unions?” 29 percent chose “Gays and lesbians should have the right to marriage,” 32 percent chose the right to civil unions but not marriage, and 32 percent chose neither.

June 2009 UT-Austin Poll Highlights