Tight GOP Contest In TX

A new statewide survey of TX voters shows John McCain and Mike Huckabee locked in a statistical tie. McCain's up 45% to Huck's 41%. Hillary Clinton leads Barack Obama, meanwhile, 49% to 41%.

The poll, conducted for the Texas Credit Union League, Public Opinion Strategies and Hamilton Campaigns, shows that illegal immigration is of paramount concern to TX GOPers, while TX Dems are focused on education.

McCain draws support from moderates/liberals, women between the ages of 45 and 54 and white educated women. Huck is dominating among men without degrees, those who self-identify as very conservative (especially men), religious conservatives and church goers. McCain is doing well in the south, central and Dallas Fort-Worth regions of the state, while Huck is dominating in east and west TX.

The poll shows that McCain's emphasis on his national security creds, which has helped in other places, is not resonating with TX voters. Among voters who say terrorism and national security are the most important issues facing the nation, Huck wins out, 50% to 39%. He also does better among voters who say illegal immigration is the critical issue of the day, 55% to 27%.

On the Dem side, Clinton's pattern of support is a familiar one; she is dominating with Hispanics, women and strong Democrats. Obama's support is coming from African Americans, Indies, men and wealthier voters. These groups have proved to be his core constituencies as well.

(JENNIFER SKALKA)