UT/TT Poll: Santorum Crushing GOP Hopefuls in Texas
Former Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania has a commanding lead among Republican presidential candidates in Texas, according to a new University of Texas/Texas Tribune poll.
Santorum would get the votes of 45 percent of the respondents if the election were held today, according to the survey. The other three candidates in the GOP race — former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and U.S. Rep. Ron Paul of Texas — are clustered well behind. Gingrich got 18 percent, Romney received 16 percent and Paul garnered 14 percent.
The presidential race in Texas remains highly volatile ...
Comments (62)
John Cobarruvias via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Why does that not surprise me?
Jalapeno Schwartz via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Still last in the big race..
Karen Spivey-Cummings via Texas Tribune on Facebook
John, because Texans are idiots?
Karen Spivey-Cummings via Texas Tribune on Facebook
There is NO WAY I would ever vote for Santorum.
D Karen Wilkerson via Texas Tribune on Facebook
That simply confirms the sad truth that Texas republicans really are stupid. Not surprising when one considers their continued support of Perry, et all.
John Cobarruvias via Texas Tribune on Facebook
No. Because republicans are idiots
Charles Chuck D Daniel via Texas Tribune on Facebook
I just threw up in my mouth a lil' bit...
Brad Springfield via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Any one of these candidates is a significant upgrade to Obama.
Larry Hilliard via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Really, Brad???
Karen Spivey-Cummings via Texas Tribune on Facebook
All of those candidates are complete idiots and promote social issues over everything else.
Trenton Garza via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Notice that both of the 'serious' anybody-but-Romney candidates are above Romney, but then scroll down to the last chart and see that 58% of respondents were fine with a Mormon Candidate. Sounds like someone's been lying...
Carol Goodwin
That is because of too many "money' minded people here in Texas. I believe Rick Perry made it clear that Texans prefer puppets instead of real leaders! His pitiful performance as a presidential candidate made it clear to most that he is unqualified to run anything. The super rich in Texas are the ones who run Texas! NOT Rick Perry! He has only spent 3 days in th Governor's office since he dropped out of the preidential race. And now, Rick Santorum (???) is taking the lead as the flavor of the week? WHAT is wrong here? Ron Paul is picking up patriotic minded people and is only being restricted because of fraud voting and the media and establishment types! Check out who Rick Santorum really is. As big a fraud as the Muslim despot who is currently occupying the white house, Obama would mop the floor with this chauvinistic little man. Santorum has voted along with Obama and the dim-oh-krats on so many items including gun control!
Charles Manning via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Really? Come on Texas! Rick Santorum?!
Tedi Elliott via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Insane.
Melinda Maalouf Wedding via Texas Tribune on Facebook
I weep for Texas.
Steve Martaindale via Texas Tribune on Facebook
I take solace in my belief polls are not trustworthy.
Burke Gerstenschlager via Texas Tribune on Facebook
I'm frothy with glee!
Karen Spivey-Cummings via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Santorum is a nut. http://jonathanturley.org/2012/02/20/santorum-who-will-protect-you-from-crazed-euthanizing-dutch-doctors/
Craig Young via Texas Tribune on Facebook
I guess people forget about how many time Santorum voted to raise the debt ceiling.
Mark Ereshan Kube via Texas Tribune on Facebook
What's that saying?? oh yea "Don't mess with Texas"! Guess what!! You guys there in Texas vote for Santorum and that exacty what you're gonna get! He will trample all that you value!!! Don't be stupid by turning your back now on your beloved congressman Ron Paul!
Charles Manning via Texas Tribune on Facebook
And that he's anti-gun rights!
Lene Knitter
I thought Texans like the 2nd amendment..This doesn't make sense. In the 90s, he voted to support the Lautenberg Gun Ban, which stripped law-abiding gun owners of their Second Amendment rights for life, simply because they spanked their children or did nothing more than grab a spouses wrist.
He voted for a bill in 1999 disguised as an attempt to increase penalties on drug traffickers with guns… but it also included a provision to require federal background checks at gun shows.
And then he voted with gun-controlling Democrats Dianne Fienstein and Frank Lautenberg to mandate locks on handguns in 2005.
But worst of all, Rick Santorum has a storied history of bailing out anti-gun Republicans facing reelection.
Rick Santorum came to anti-gun Arlen Specter’s defense in 2004 when he was down in the polls against pro-gun Republican Pat Toomey. Specter won and continued to push for gun control during his years in the Senate.
He also supported and openly campaigned for anti-gun New Jersey governor, Christine Todd Whitman
Out of all the Republican Candidates Ron Paul is the ONLY one that has NEVER voted against the 2nd Amendment or the Constitution..LOL
Taylor J. Harris via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Oh look, another liberal circle jerk in the TT comment section. Huge surprise.
Mark Ereshan Kube via Texas Tribune on Facebook
I find it really hard to believe that Texans are so stupid!
John Cobarruvias via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Most republicans are not idiots. They are way to ignorant to be that.
Kathy Kennemer Genet via Texas Tribune on Facebook
I hope Santorum spouts off lots of crazy sounding bons mots from now until the general. Oh, and please pick a really loony VP! I'd be really worried if the GOP picked a middle of the road guy, we're much better off with someone who is cranking up the crazy.
Judy Shelton Curtis via Texas Tribune on Facebook
If people think that the most conservative candidate is Santorum, they have NOT done their homework. Ron Paul is the MOST conservative candidate. I'm getting sick of the major media trying to make it look like Paul is not a viable candidate. MY VOTE IS NOT FOR SALE! I will write Ron Paul in if I have to!
Mark Ereshan Kube via Texas Tribune on Facebook
The Texas Tribune isn't making you guys in Texas loook very smart with this poll! You best get on the bandwagon and prove them wrong!
Karen Spivey-Cummings via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Ron Paul and Santorum are both nuts.
Alexandra Richmond via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Happy president's day!
gypsy314 ne
Anyone BUT Obama and democrats!
Joe Estep via Texas Tribune on Facebook
The Tiny Times is fun to read, as are the really childish, ignorant comments from its readers. The race is not over yet, unfortunately the selection is limited so far. I´d hoped the R´s could´ve come up with something better. But, the third person off any bus in the USA would be better than what we have. Guess we´ll just have to take heart in the fact that the other 2 branches of our government will keep the executive branch in line. I´d really like to have West out of Fla. in the White House.
Lene Knitter
Rick Santorum made the "CREW's Most Corrupt Members of Congress" in 2005-2006
*He supports the prohibition of contraception but Is on the record saying he supports taxpayer funded contraception- "...the bottom line is my position is very clear. I've had a -- a consistent record on this of supporting women's right to have contraception. I've supported funding for it..." (Rick Santorum on Fox News. February 16. 2012)
*He Ripped of a Veterans Home- (reference) "How Rick Santorum Ripped Off American Veterans" Motherjones.com
•involved in a scandal later known as the “K Street Project”. Lobbying firms were pressured to hire high ranking Republican lawmakers and to grant GOP lobbyists with access to influential decision makers. Led by Congressman Tom Delay, now a convicted felon, the Project had associations with lobbyists including Jack Abramoff. Santorum played the role of Senate liaison to the K Street Project.
•voted to spend taxpayer money to help underprivileged children in third world countries, to pay off debts owed to the US by other nations and to combat political instability in Sudan. He voted to increase welfare programs such as Healthy Start.
• a Santorum-created charitable foundation, Operation Good Neighbor Foundation, had actually raised over a million dollars while half million dollars was paid out to as salaries and consulting fees to lobbyists and fundraisers connected to Santorum’s campaign. Only 36% of the money raised by the foundation actually made it to those it was designed to help.
•political action committee formed by Santorum. It was supposed to be raising money to help fellow Republican candidates. However, only 18% of the funds went to those candidates. Much of the remaining money was used to enhance Santorum’s lifestyle.
•voted five times to raise the debt ceiling
•strongly supported the large hike in welfare entitlement spending with Medicaid Part D.
•retail giant Wal-Mart lined Santorum’s pockets with campaign cash, in return, Wal-Mart received votes in-kind from Santorum on issues relating to overtime, minimum wages, tort reform, charitable giving credits, etc.
•strongly supported legislation that doubled the size of the Dept. of Education including the introduction of Ted Kennedy’s infamous “No Child Left Behind”.
•in 2002, Santorum wrote in a Washington Times article, “intelligent design is a legitimate scientific theory that should be taught in science classes.” However, in 2005 Santorum said on National Public Radio, “I’m not comfortable with intelligent design being taught in the science classroom.”
•Santorum is on record many times explaining that what happens in an individual’s bedroom is the business of the entire community and that private, consensual sex should be a matter of government regulation. His position is that no such right exists under the Constitution. He said, “…this right to privacy doesn’t exist in my opinion in the United States Constitution.”
*
Rick Santorum voted with Barbara Boxer with this: S Amdt 3230 – Gun Lock Requirement Amendment
Rick Santorum voted for H J Res 47 – Debt Limit Increase Resolution – Key Vote
Rick Sandtorum flip flopped here by voting FOR Title: Firearms Manufacturers Protection Bill and here he voted against it! Rick Santorum voted against S 1805 – Firearms Manufacturers Protection Bill
Rick Santorum voted for CAFTA that Removes duties on textile and apparel goods traded among participating nations which resulted in almost ALL textile companies to leave the South! and this bill..
Rick Santorum voted for taxes in the Internet Access Tax Bill
Rick Santorum voted against S 1805 – Firearms Manufacturers Protection Bill
Rick Santorum voted for HR 3448 – Minimum Wage Increase bill which allows punitive damages for injury or illness to be taxed.
Sergio Hernandez De Santos via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Please have a comment suggesting secession then everything I expect from the pseudo macho Texas Republicans will be fulfilled, thanx
Dennis Boyter via Texas Tribune on Facebook
West? So you would prefer a military dictatorship? As for the Ron Paul supporters, well, as long as humans are around, Utopia will never exist.
Luisa Inez Newton via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Poor Texas. Didn't Perry endorse Newt? Didn't Santorum get booted out of Pennsylvania w/an 18 point loss? Didn't Ron Paul spend years siding w/the KKK? Poor, poor Texas...
Pickles Sorrell
This surevey comes from "a proprietary opt-in survey panel" (YouGov's words, not mine). As a retiree from up North, I've been learning a lot about Texas history.
When I read this survey and it's methodology I'm reminded of the words of former Vice President John Nance Garner who probably would have set this survey is not "worth a bucket of warm spit."
"Opt-in" means political freaks like me - not normal, everyday people.
Ron Blancarte via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Regardless of how you feel about this poll (Full Disclaimer - I am a democrat), there is one major caveat about this:
Texas has had little to no campaigning done in this state. We don't eve know when the primaries are going to be! Sure this is the standing now, but once primaries are set (probably at the end of May), this will become a huge battle ground, with so many delegates at stake. Once that happens, then these numbers will start to take meaningful shape. Until then, this poll is almost as useful as the winner of the Iowa Straw Poll back in August.
As far as this poll - what did anyone really expect? Our state is highly right leaning. And right now, it has very much gripped a tight hold on the very conservative candidates. I am not at all shocked by this.
1. Santorum has momentum right now. He has won the most recent states that have had recognition by the media. His name is the one that we are hearing.
2. Perry has stirred the GOP base in this state to be Anti-Romney. The anti-Romney vote is going to gravitate to anyone else other that Mitt.
I just don't think that this poll has much meaning right now, and until we start having some strong campaigning here, we won't know much.
Debbie Mason via Texas Tribune on Facebook
I think our state is about to go blue again.
Cynthia Tannehill Faulk Ryland via Texas Tribune on Facebook
WHY do I give a s___ what Santorum, Gingrich, Perry do? Why do you waste time & space on them?
Lawna Jocqui via Texas Tribune on Facebook
The people in this state a batshit crazy!
Renee E. Babcock via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Just goes to show how very foolish the Republican voters of this state are. But then again, they do keep re-electing Perry...
Rudy Gonzales
One has to wonder just accurate this poll is given the dust Santorum has raised over injecting his religion into his speeches and his stance on a woman's reproductive rights. The TEA party fringe want less government control, but offer no resistance to forcing women to have Sonograms/Ultrasounds prior to have an abortion. That in itself violates the doctor's Hippocratic Oath and places politics squarely in the middle of doctor-patient relationships. One wonders about the direction the extremist want for this country. Contraception is not a political issue. It is a personal issue between a woman and her doctor. Period! With the TEA-GOP-Republican voters seeking someone other than Romney, they are left with poor chances of selecting a winner.
Joe Estep via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Dennis, try reading or listening to what West has to say. Anyone would be better than the narcissistic little twit sitting in the Oval Office today.
Merryl Redding via Texas Tribune on Facebook
I cannot see Santorum as president! Too whiny, no clear plan as to what he'll actually do to correct things & too socially conservative to appeal to independents. Right now we need an outspoken & strong leader. Someone who knows all the ins & outs of the DC rats-nest! Gingrich has laid out a clear plan to enact on DAY 1.....
Ann Smajstrla via Texas Tribune on Facebook
This makes me want to throw up...
Cindy Hampton
I knew Oklahoma was dumb, but I thought Texas had a little smarts! Looks like another 4 years of disgusting politics in America. Ron Paul 2012!!!!!!
Ashley Miller Caldwell via Texas Tribune on Facebook
The dude is AGAINST BIRTH CONTROL, people! Wake up!
Cindy Hampton via Texas Tribune on Facebook
People are obviously not doing their research. I support Ron Paul!
Jim Hsu via Texas Tribune on Facebook
figures Santorum would wow Texas GOP voters, especially with Rick "I've gotta do a prayer service first then announce candidacy" Perry the Bible Party candidate from Texas out of the race.
Sean Riley via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Ron Paul is in 4th place in Texas, his home state.
Maybe Ron Paul should take the hint and drop out.
homas
Of course they love Rickie S. They kept a stooge like Rickie P. in office for a decade!
Michael Bergsma via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Ron Paul will not even carry his home district. I am very familiar with him and he is a nasty piece of work. And his most devoted followers are even nastier.
Vicki Jackson McGaugh via Texas Tribune on Facebook
http://texaslsg.org/texasonthebrink/
Barbara Steffek
Until now, I thought it was the media trying to be the sole power broker in big elections. Now I understand that it can also be polling entities. If in fact this poll was an op-in, it's not worth Texas beans.
gary blume
My question relates to the veracity of this so called poll ran by a UT professor; does anyone believe the results? Can anyone spell BS ? Sure a lot of Texans are Social Conservatives, but for Rick Santorum to CRUSH any other hopefull is insanity. The man was NOT CONSERVATIVE in Congress & after getting beat for a statewide office, cooled his jets & got rich off his past government contacts. He has done nothing & has no leadership experience. The only two REAL candidates left are Romney & Paul; at least the have done something & have leadership skills.
How 'bout them apples, BOY ????
Dale Curry
Santorum is a hate filled homophobe, his stands on raising the debt ceiling is the essence of hypocrisy, and Newt.....well Adele sang it best at the Grammy's "Oh newt, your so big on faith, yet you have bed more women than Henry VIII," Oh well, when the debate among the Right wing nut jobs is over which one of these four will be their nominee, one thing is clear. Obama is heading for a second term.
Sam Davis via Texas Tribune on Facebook
supporting Santorum goes beyond ignorance into wanton bigotry. I don't know if Texas is as low as Kansas or Alabama but conservatives everywhere are hitting new lows.
Cindy Hampton via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Michael I am surprised a devoted church goer like yourself makes comments like that about people you do not know.
Cindy Hampton
It surprises me. I thought TX was a little brighter than most states. LOL Oh well, looks like another four years of failure, I sure hope American can make it.
Peter Stern
Anyone voting for Rick Santorum is a Fascist. I'm sorry to see a large number of Texans still lacking intelligence.
Another 99%
Is this survey for white men only????? Are women in Texas so depressed, they would vote for Santoruim or even Ginrich? If the women in Texas, vote for Santorium, are we treating them too well? Can't name any of my friends, who would vote for this crooked women basher. Is this poll baed on Minorities not voting at all?