This question always tickles me;
I would invite any Texas FReepers to provide me with some means by which a Texas politician could be elected Governor without working hard to collect mexican votes and the support of the mexican mayors, sheriffs, and business persons that make up a huge percent of the state's population.
I honestly think GWB is virtually crippled in this one issue because he can't go against his historic supporters despite being fairly advised by this time that something MUST be done.
Of course, by dithering around and doing nothing to defend us from a real and present threat he can only make the situation worse for himself and for us all.
Arnold Schwarzenegger won the election in California even though Gray Davis was in the pocket of all those groups.