Not so long ago, a lot of Texas Republicans were running for cover from President Trump.

Now, with The Donald's approval ratings high in Texas on the even of the March 6 primary, many are running to embrace him. "I agree with President Trump" seems to be the new mantra for some GOP conservatives.

Included is Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who's put up a new television ad underscoring his closeness with Trump, who many conservative Texas Republicans think is anything but.  Trump is popular and he's a Republican, and that's what counts most right now.

A lot of other Republicans are not playing so nice with each other. The State GOP executive Committee has publicly censured fellow Republican, retiring House Speaker Joe Straus, for not toeing the party line. Gov. Greg Abbott is running campaign ads against state Rep. Sarah Davis, R-Houston, accusing her of being too liberal.

GOP consultant Luke Macias has done an about-face on supporting state Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, who he once helped get elected. And Land Commissioner George P. Bush and predecessor Jerry Patterson, who is now challenging Bush for reelection, aren't saying anything nice about each other.

Texas Politics may be entertaining, but the growing unpleasantness is beginning to look more like a Jerry Springer Show.

Our sponsor this week: The Texas Association of Counties.

With Mike Ward, the Houston Chronicle's Austin Bureau chief, and Scott Braddock, editor of the Quorum Report, it's Texas' leading online podcast about Lone Star politics -- coming to you in collaboration with Texas Public Radio.