The political landscape in Texas is changing faster for most of the state than it is for these folks up in Perryton, sad to say. Ten counties flipped from Bush majorities to Obama majorities in this election. In addition Bush won the state with a 23% majority in 2004 which shrank to a 12% majority for McCain. I guess the home state advantage help Bush some but 11% I’d question.
The ten counties that flipped are:
Bexar
Brewster (Sul Ross State University, Alpine)
Cameron
Culberson
Dallas
Frio
Harris
Kleberg (Texas A&M University-Kingsville)
Reeves
Val Verde
In addition when the GOP took control of the State House in 2002 they had a lead of 82-68. That lead has steadily declined to where this year it will be either 76-74 or 75-75 depending upon a runoff in one district. The GOP controls the state Senate by a large majority although the democrats gained one seat this election. But because of the senate rules the democrats can control what legislation is taken up in the sentate.
Texas is changing it seems. Not sure why other than immigration both legal and illegal.
McCain did no worse than Dole did in the last GOP loss. Bush did indeed over perform in his home state.
The state house losses can be blamed on the unpopular GOP Speaker.