Murphy: Poll shows I’m the best one to challenge Blum

Although a new poll shows him losing to 1st District Rep. Rod Blum, former Iowa House Speaker Pat Murphy says he's the Democrat in the best position to defeat the freshman Republican in 2016.

The poll showed Murphy, a Democrat from Dubuque, losing to Blum by a 45 percent to 42 percent margin, but faring better than either Monica Vernon of Cedar Rapids or Gary Kroeger of Cedar Falls. They also are seeking the 1st District Democratic nomination.

In a head-to-head matchup, Blum would defeat Vernon, 46 percent to 38 percent, according to the poll conducted by Stone Research Services of Indianapolis. In both cases, the margin of error is 5.4 percent.

The poll was sponsored by SMART (Sheet Metal Air Rail Transportation) Transportation Division's Iowa State Legislative Board, which is associated with the United Transportation Union.

'This poll confirms what I hear from Iowans every day - they're fed up with Rod Blum, but want to make sure they have proven, honest representation in Washington,” Murphy said. 'That's why I'm in (the) strongest position and have momentum in this campaign.”

However, the poll also found that Blum was viewed favorably by 36 percent of 1st District residents compared with 27 percent for Murphy and 19 percent for Vernon.

By comparison, President Barack Obama was viewed favorably by 49 percent and Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst by 68 percent and 50 percent, respectively.

Kroeger, who wasn't included in the poll, didn't share Murphy's confidence in the poll of 400 1st District residents - not necessarily likely voters or even registered voters.

'There isn't the slightest surprise to me that the candidate who won this primary just last year would poll highest,” Kroeger said.

There's been little press coverage of the race and little chance to compare the candidates, Kroeger said.

Blum defeated Murphy 49.9 percent to 47.7 percent last year. In the Democratic primary that year, Murphy defeated Vernon and three others.

Kroeger thinks any one of the three Democrats can beat Blum.

The Vernon campaign declined to comment on the poll.