|
Looks like another state senate seat is in play for Texas Democrats. Chris Bell, who is not even a declared candidate yet, is leading Republican Austin Furse by nearly 14 percentage points. The Opinion Analysts poll shows Bell at 40% and Furse at 26.5%. Even more remarkable, the poll shows Bell's name ID at 74.3 percent. Not only is that way higher than incumbent state Sen. Kyle Janek's name ID (which sits at 47.7 percent) but it also tops (though not significantly) the name ID of John Cornyn who comes in at 73.2 percent. Janek's low numbers make it clear why his endorsement of Furse does not seem to be helping the young Houston money manager much. Quorum Report has reported that Republicans such as former state Rep. Brad Wright have used these polling numbers to cast Furse as a weak general election candidate. Bell has not made a final decision to enter the race (yet). But for those of us who saw him at last weekend's convention, he sure had the look of a candidate. Meanwhile, the Austin Political Report has reported that Bell is "telling Houston lawmakers that he will run." Count me in as one who hopes Chris Bell does jump into this race. |
