Scott Walker leads among GOP conspiracy theory voters

The poll released earlier this week that found a majority of Republican primary voters either believe that the federal government is trying to take over Texas -- or they’re not sure -- has an added wrinkle.
The survey also asked those who believe this thoroughly debunked conspiracy theory about a U.S. military intervention who they favor for president. The winner of the wacko vote? Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.

Among the one-third who are convinced that the upcoming, routine military training exercises known as Jade Helm 15 are a sneaky plan by the elite Special Forces to seize control of Texas, Walker leads with 22 percent of the vote.

Public Policy Polling surveyed GOP voters’ opinions on nine candidates.  Walker also tops the list among the 22 percent of Republicans overall who aren't quite sure whether a takeover is in the works.

To be fair, Walker leads in the PPP poll overall and so the conspiracy theorists reflect the overall views within the party faithful. Some of the wackiest voters belong to Ted Cruz.

Some 56 percent of the Texas senator’s supporters believe a takeover is in the works and another 22 percent aren’t quite sure. Only 21 percent of Cruz backers understand that no secret plot is afoot. Cruz has expressed concerns that Jade Helm 15 might be part of a plan to impose martial law in his state.

Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert has fed the fears of Lone Star State residents by combining a series of conspiracy theories, claiming that people should be "suspicious of whether their big brother government anticipates certain states may start another civil war or be overtaken by foreign radical Islamist elements which have been reported to be just across our border."
"We have seen people in this administration," Gohmert also said, "use their government positions to persecute people with conservative beliefs in God, country, and notions such as honor and self-reliance. Because of the contempt and antipathy for the true patriots or even Christian saints persecuted for their Christian beliefs, it is no surprise that those who have experienced or noticed such persecution are legitimately suspicious."

So far, the only sane voice on this issue in the likely GOP presidential field is Rick Perry, the former Texas governor, who criticized his successor, Gov. Greg Abbott, for instructing the Texas National Guard to keep an eye on the U.S. troops participating in the exercises. Earlier this month, Perry stated the obvious:  
“Our military is quite trustworthy. The civilian leadership, you can always question that, but not the men and women in uniform.”
So, how do voters supporting Perry feel about all this? They’re the wackiest of all, with 76 percent believing the conspiracy is real.

Meanwhile, a Republican former state representative in Texas, Todd Smith, probably said it best:
"I am horrified that I have to choose between the possibility that my governor actually believes this stuff, and the possibility that my governor doesn't have the backbone to stand up to those who do."