No major change in the Texas political landscape after debate

Self-described "libertarian-conservative," radio talk show host and frequent Rush Limbaugh fill-in, Mark Davis of WBAP in Dallas, pronounced three winners yesterday, in the much-anticipated Republican Governor's debate. And the winners are: Rick Perry, Kay B. Hutchison and Debra Medina.

From the Dallas Morning-News, "Debate delivers awkward moments and clarity":

In a nutshell, Gov. Rick Perry needed to weave a narrative of a recession-resistant Texas, succeeding because of his leadership. He did that.

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison needed to get aggressive with Perry, reminding the conservative base of the gripes they've had with him at times during his decade in office. She did that.

Debra Medina needed to appear worthy of her spot on the stage, a self-proclaimed ordinary citizen sandwiched between two of the most successful politicians in Texas history. She did that, and then some.

So if every camp could properly say it succeeded, the result becomes obvious: no major change in the landscape of the race. If Perry had a double-digit lead walking in, he had one walking out.

Best for Texas: Perry as Governor, Hutchison as Senator, and Medina running for future office

Davis goes on to write, that what most Texans really want is continuous of the status quo, with recession-battling Perry as Governor and ObamaCare opponent Hutchison remaining in her current office:

I have been looking, for a shred of evidence that her heroic recent stances against Obamacare and cap and trade – some of the best moments in her Senate career – will somehow translate into a new wave of voters who want her to escape the Beltway and move into the governor's mansion.

I see none. What I am sensing is a murmur of an echo of what Texas said in 2006, when voters gave a thumbs-up to Perry in Austin and Hutchison in Washington.

As for inside-the-major party "3rd party" candidate Medina, Davis sees a distinctly bright future, possibly running for some other statewide office. He noted that the former County GOP Chair contributed to the debate on a number of issues that wouldn't have otherwise been brought up. She pushed an increase in the state sales tax, to allow for complete elimination of property taxes. And she also brought up an issue not normally discussed in such debates. Continuing:

[She] courageously revealed a libertarian streak that teaches that each state should have a debate over drug legalization. (I said courageously, not necessarily wisely.)