Respondents were asked, "Below are some proposals that have been made for this session as the Texas legislature considers the budget for 2013-2014. Which of the following do you think should be the legislature's top priority?" And then given the randomized response options, "Restore cuts made in the last session to education and human services", "Continue to limit government by approving no new spending and no new taxes", "Lower property and business taxes", "Provide public funds for future infrastructure needs like water and transportation", and "Don't know/no opinion".
Tea Party idenfication is based on the following question, also asked in the survey: "Suppose the Tea Party movement organized itself as a political party. When thinking about the next election for Congress, would you vote for the Republican candidate from your district, the Democratic candidate from your district, or the Tea Party candidate from your district?" Those who responded "Republican candidate" are considered Republicans (non-Tea Party movement) and those who responded "Tea Party candidate" are considered Tea Party Republicans.