Another new Rasmussen Poll out with Chris Bell gaining and now tied for second with Strayhorn and Kinky (18%). Two weeks ago Rasmussen had Rick Perry at 40%, Carole Keeton Strayhorn 20% and Kinky Friedman 19% followed by Chris Bell at 13%. This week it is Perry at 35%, and the other three tied at 18%. So the Gossips note a big move on the part of Bell. This poll also had Texans who are likely to vote split on abortion. 48% pro-life and 44% pro-choice and the rest undecided. But if you look at the numbers you see that a large percentage of Democrats (17%) are not sure where they stand. Almost 30% of Republicans are pro-choice. And while most Democrats in this poll are pro-choice (57%) the almost 1/5 who are not sure are perhaps confused over the words (pro-choice,pro-life) or are reluctant to tell any interviewer what they believe on such a question. Independent voters are also pro-choice by 56%. If you ask the question "do you favor or oppose a woman's right to choice to have an abortion without the government interfering" you would find Texas overall are on the pro-choice side.

Democrats are concerned about the economy in this poll while Republicans are worried about immigration. Same sex marriage ranks way way down as an issue the Texans are worried about.

Chris Bell does have an Internet ad out on Stem Cell research in which he says that 67% of Texans support such research. If Chris is looking for a wedge issue that would appeal to moderate Republicans and Independent voters the Gossips would suggest that Stem Cell research would be a good one.