The latest Rasmussen Reports election poll in Texas finds current Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R) ahead of her opponent, lawyer Barbara Ann Radnofsky (D), 53% to 34%.

Our previous survey found Hutchison leading 60% to 32%.

Radnofsky recently blamed Hutchison of voter dissatisfaction with state and national leadership on government spending, immigration reform and hurricane relief.

As with other states along the Mexican border, immigration is a serious issue in Texas. While Texas voters generally trust Republicans more than Democrats on the issue, 39% say President Bush is doing a poor job handling the nation’s immigration policy.

Overall, 33% of the state’s voters strongly disapprove of the way that fellow Texan George W. Bush has performed his role as President.

Senator Hutchison is seen in a much more positive light. Forty-percent (40%) of likely voters have a Very Favorable opinion of the Senator. Only 12% have a Very Unfavorable impression of her.

For Radnofsky, the numbers are 10% Very Favorable and 15% Very Unfavorable.

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