Can a Democrat Become Governor in Texas?

By Hilary Hylton
Austin

When Texas Gov. Rick Perry scored a convincing win earlier this month over U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, his rival for the Republican gubernatorial nomination, talk of a possible 2012 Perry presidential push began.

But before Perry can stride into the national arena he must win re-election this fall in what some say will be his toughest face-off with a Democrat yet — against former Houston mayor Bill White. Indeed, political analyst Charlie Cook has moved the Texas governor's race from "leaning Republican" to "toss-up" status.

White supporters point to his strong base in Houston (the state's largest city), his family roots in San Antonio and his ability to speak fluent Spanish, which is seen as a draw in the bluest part of the state, south Texas. . .

Still, some longtime Texas observers are not buying into rosy scenarios for Perry's challenger.

"It is going to be uphill for White to win," says Cal Jillson, political scientist at ºìÌÒÓ°ÊÓ Methodist University in Dallas. "Texas is the largest red state in the country. It tends to vote Republican by an eight, nine, ten points margin." That is in a normal year, Jillson says, not one where the political mood is downright rebellious.

That said, Jillson adds, it is only March and a significant Perry stumble or a major scandal could impact the race. Focus and discipline will be crucial in what will be long, hot summer.

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