Texas state Sen. Wendy Davis (D) raised her national and in-state profile with an epic filibuster last week to block a tough anti-abortion measure, but a poll out Tuesday indicated that it may still be a tall order to parlay that success to a statewide triumph.
The latest survey from Democratic-leaning Public Policy Polling found that the Democrat doubled her name recognition among Texas voters since January, going from 34 percent to 68 percent. Thirty-nine percent said they have a favorable opinion of Davis, while 29 percent have an unfavorable opinion.
Still, Davis trails both Republicans who were tested by PPP in hypothetical matchups of the Lone Star State’s 2014 gubernatorial race. The poll found Gov. Rick Perry (R) with a mediocre approval rating of 45 percent and showed that 60 percent do not want him to run for another term, yet he still comfortably topped Davis 53 percent to 39 percent. State Attorney General Greg Abbott (R) claimed a smaller 48 percent to 40 percent advantage over Davis.
Since her star turn last week, Davis has spoken candidly about running for statewide office.
