2010: Perry 48, White 42

In the latest poll from Rasmussen Reports, Gov. Rick Perry maintains a 6-point lead over his Democratic challenger, Bill White.

The poll, conducted September 22, shows Perry leading White, 48 percent to 42 percent. Three percent of the respondents said they prefer another candidate, and 6 percent were undecided.

When Rasmussen tested the Texas waters one month ago, Perry led 49 percent to 41 percent. The latest results prompted Rasmussen to move the race from "Solid Republican" to "Leans Republican" on its scorecard of gubernatorial races.

Here's more from Rasmussen on the issue of debates:

The candidates are in stalemate over the question of debates, and they seem increasingly unlikely. Seventy-two percent (72%) of Texas voters say debates are at least somewhat important to how they will vote, with 47% who say they are Very Important. But Democrats view them as much more important than Republicans and unaffiliated voters do.

Rasmussen notes that Texas' rate of Tea Party participation is comparable to the national average: 28 percent of Texans identify as Tea Party members as compared to 26 percent nationally.

Texans are much more disapproving of President Barack Obama's job performance than the country as a whole. Only 39 percent of Texans approve of Obama's performance, while 61 percent disapprove. Also, a majority Texans, 66 percent, support the repeal of federal health care reform.