edit to add: Doing a small re-write and posting to GD.
Hill Research Consultants, a Houston-based Republican polling firm, recently conducted a poll of active voters and the news isn’t good for GOP in Texas.
Half the respondents believe Texas is on the wrong track.
On every measure the GOP brand is less appealing than the Democratic brand.
Respondents say the GOP is out of touch and is more interested in looking out for special interests than the common good.
When voters were asked which party "champions the needs of homeowners, small businesses and average taxpayers” Democrats score 13 points higher than Republicans.
Republicans lead in negative characterizations like arrogant, racist, corrupt, and angry by double-digit margins. Dems lead by double digits on positive descriptions like "smart," "fair," "innovative" and "party of the future."
Even the people who self identify as Republicans don’t like the party in its current state. The old divisive issues of abortion, prayer and bigotry don’t appeal to the emerging Republican base, mostly young suburbanites who aren’t church oriented and are centered around the Dallas metroplex. Much of the state has gone Democratic in emerging party affiliation.
From the article in the Dallas Morning News, “A party that ends up only talking to itself is a party that cannot change. A party that cannot change lacks the means of its conservation. Texas Republicans have a decision to make. A demographic tide is rolling across what was once the reddest state. The troubled party can choose to roll with it – or watch their prospects drown in a deep blue sea.”
Now is the time for all good men and women to come to the aid of their party. Donate, volunteer, write letters to the editor and talk to your neighbors. Be Democrat and be proud of it, show it with bumper stickers and put candidate’s signs in your yard when the time comes. Be visible! You are not alone!
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/opinion/viewpoints/stories/DN-dreher_04edi.State.Edition1.25b83af.html