Carole Keeton Strayhorn's defection from the GOP to run for Governor as an Independent is making things interesting in President Bush's home state.

In the six weeks since Strayhorn announced plans for an Independent challenge, her support has increased ten percentage points. She is now within single digits of catching Governor Rick Perry. Depending upon which Democrat is added in the mix, Perry leads Strayhorn either 40% to 31% or 38% to 29%.

In our January election poll for Texas, Strayhorn earned 21% of the vote.

Both Democratic contenders currently attract less than 20% of voters and a fourth competitor, Richard "Kinky" Friedman is in the high single digits. At the moment, the Democrats and Friedman appear as by-standers in a Republican civil war.

Perry does better among conservatives while Strayhorn draws more support from moderates and liberals.

Perry has a solid edge among Republican voters, but Strayhorn has a nearly 20-point advantage over the incumbent among unaffiliated voters.

Perry is still the favorite in this race, but the unusual dynamic of a Republican official bolting the party to challenge a Republican Governor could make for a wild political season in Texas.

Strayhorn is viewed favorably by 55% of voters in Texas and unfavorably by 31%. For Perry, the numbers are 53% favorable and 45% unfavorable.

Visit our Election Polls page to see a summary of our latest state-by state polling. Rasmussen Reports is polling every Senate and Governors' race at least once a month this year.

CrossTabs for the Texas survey are available for Premium Members