By John Celock
Republican Greg Abbott continues to lead Democrat Wendy Davis in the Texas governor’s race, according to a new poll released Friday.
A Rasmussen Reports poll shows Abbott leading Davis in the open seat race 51 percent to 40 percent. Abbott, the state attorney general, has consistently led Davis, a state senator from Fort Worth, all year. The two are running to succeed retiring Gov. Rick Perry (R).
Davis, who had been touted nationally as a top gubernatorial recruit, has been struggling to gain traction in the polls in the race. Davis jumped to national attention last year following a filibuster to defeat anti-abortion legislation in the state Senate. She is seeking to become Texas’ first Democratic governor in 20 years and the third female governor in state history.
The poll indicates that Davis has the support of 82 percent of Democrats, while 82 percent of Republicans back Abbott in the race. The poll also shows that 24 percent of those surveyed believe there is a “war on women,” with 61 percent calling it a slogan. Of those who believe there is a “war on women” 82 percent are backing Davis in the gubernatorial race.