Incumbent Republican Senator John Cornyn now leads challenger Rick Noriega just 50% to 43% in Texas, according to the latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey in the state.

Cornyn had an 11-point lead over Noriega in August. He had been out front by double digits in every poll conducted since May, when he had just a four-point lead over the challenger. Cornyn is currently seeking his second term in the Senate.

This month, Cornyn has a 50% to 33% lead among unaffiliated voters in Texas. He leads 51% to 43% among men and 49% to 43% among women (see crosstabs).

Cornyn is viewed favorably by 57% and unfavorably by 30%. Noriega, a state legislator, is viewed favorably by 46% and unfavorably by 36%. Seventeen percent (17%) of voters still have no opinion of the Democratic challenger.

Less than a month after Hurricane Ike hit the state, voters in Texas give positive reviews to both the state and federal governments’ responses to the emergency. Sixty-seven percent (67%) of voters rate the national response good or excellent, while just seven percent (7%) say the federal government did a poor job handling the situation. Most voters (85%) rate the state’s response as good or excellent, while just two percent (2%) give it poor marks.

Currently, contractors are fighting a state law that bars the ability of people to rebuild in certain areas destroyed by Hurricane Ike. Voters are evenly divided over whether this should be allowed. While 42% of voters say people should be allowed to rebuild in those areas, 39% disagree. One-in-five voters (20%) is not sure.

The survey also found that voters are divided on the issue of state aid in the current economic crisis. Thirty-seven percent (37%) believe Texas should use a portion of its budget surplus to aid homeowners affected by the crisis, while slightly more (43%) disagree. Again, one-in-five voters is undecided.

Most Texas voters believe veterans do not receive enough government aid. While just 16% say state and federal programs are doing enough to support veterans, 63% disagree.

Texas Governor Rick Perry earns good or excellent job approval ratings from 40% of voters, while 23% give him a poor rating.

John McCain continues to hold a solid lead over Barack Obama in the Lone Star State.

The survey was conducted in partnership with Fox Television Stations, Inc.

See survey questions and toplines. Crosstabs available for Premium Members only.