They're just not into you, Mitt. (Joshua Lott/Reuters)
University of Texas/Texas Tribune. 2/8-15. Texas voters. MoE 3.46% (No recent results)
Rick Santorum 45
Newt Gingrich 18
Mitt Romney 16
Ron Paul 14
On the plus side for Romney, he's actually
gained seven points since an October version of this poll, when Herman Cain led with 27 percent (ahead of the hometown governor). But then again, Santorum was at one percent, so his 45-point gain is far more impressive.
Lucky for Romney, however, Texas won't be having a primary anytime soon. While it was originally scheduled for Super Tuesday, that date was indefinitely delayed by redistricting litigation. There's a tentative new date of May 29, but that date isn't looking so solid.
That's particularly salient, since Texas' 155 delegates are the second-highest of any state (only California with 169 has more). That's over 10 percent of the 1,144 delegates necessary for victory. And while the Lone Star State will allocate its delegates on a proportional basis, Romney wouldn't come away with much with his 16 percent.
But aside from the math, there's that other point: Texas really hates Romney. I mean, they absolutely despise him. And no, he wouldn't make Texas competitive (they hate Obama even more), but no other state has rejected Romney as thoroughly as this one.