Here's why:
1) Liberal Democrats have migrated in mass from California to Texas.
2) Hispanics are growing in record numbers and illegal immigration in Texas is completely out of control (hence the fight over voter ID laws).
3) Blacks from Louisiana have migrated to Texas in huge numbers over the last few years (mostly due to Katrina).
4) The entitlement culture is taking hold among all demographics here, just as it is in most other states.
In short, Texas as a conservative state, is in its death throes.
I think the most important factor is the Texas pride. Pride in one’s state is a good thing but one also needs to question that pride enough to accept that things aren’t perfect.
Hell I love Michigan and I have pride in my state but I know we’re a basket case and that keeps me trying to make it better. We’re drifting rightward partly due to fleeing liberals and partly due to one of the most aggressive tea party sentiments in the country.
The Democrats are so disheartened that they aren't even really contesting the Senate seat.