In 1954, Repugs were floating the "secession" strategy. My mother calmed me down by telling me that extremists have done that every year since Texas entered the Union. Their strategy works this way: Just after an election, the next campaign begins immediately for extremists. They organize and raise money with the promise to secede. A goper candidate moves right and adopts them in the primary season, and slowly moves a little towards the center, always testing the polls to maximize the support and position toward the center. After winning the primary, the RWer continues moving toward the center, polling and adapting. If elected, the RWer teases about "secession" if WDC doesn't smarten up. Lots of teasing, but no action. You should recognize Gov. Perry's path to Austin -- that is how he did it. Now, a new national cycle begins, and the tiny but vocal minority begins with "we will secede". For those concerned about the secession movement gaining traction and the State of Texas actually presenting a petition to the US Congress, you are right about this: there will be civil war. But, it will be in Texas, as the smarter 90+ kick the asses of the dumber 10-. Let's recognize the pattern here. This is how Texas begins the new campaign cycle.