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Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Campaign Almanac: Caucus race static, Kim Reynolds’ endorsement unlikely to matter, new ISU poll says
Also, Des Moines nonprofit leader becomes second Democrat to announce candidacy in central Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District
The leaders in the Republican presidential caucus race in Iowa remain mostly unchanged, and Gov. Kim Reynolds’ endorsement does not appear to be moving the needle, according to new poll results published Thursday.
Former President Donald Trump’s commanding lead over his fellow candidates continues in the latest, monthly poll published by Iowa State University and Civiqs.
Trump was the first choice of 54 percent of those surveyed, followed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at 18 percent and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley at 12 percent.
Trump’s support dropped 4 percentage points from last month’s poll, but DeSantis and Haley gained only 1 percentage point each.
DeSantis and Haley still have room to grow their support, according to the poll results.
DeSantis was the second choice of 24 percent of those surveyed, Haley was the second choice of 20 percent of respondents, and Ohio biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy was the second choice of 19 percent of those polled.
The latest ISU/Civiqs poll also asked likely Iowa Republican caucus participants whether Reynolds’ endorsement of DeSantis might influence their preferred candidate.
In total, 85 percent said either Reynolds’ endorsement makes no difference in their decision (63 percent) or it makes it less likely they will caucus for DeSantis (22 percent). Only 13 percent said Reynolds’ endorsement makes it more likely they will support DeSantis.
The poll questioned 432 online survey respondents who said they “definitely” or “probably” will participate in the first-in-the-nation Iowa Republican caucuses Jan. 15. The survey was conducted Nov. 10 through Nov. 15 and has a margin for error of plus or minus 5.9 percentage points.
Another Democrat running in Iowa’s 3rd
Melissa Vine, a Democrat and nonprofit leader from Des Moines, has announced her candidacy for Congress.
Vine becomes the second Democrat to announce in the 3rd Congressional District, which covers central and southwestern Iowa. The seat is now held by freshman Republican Zach Nunn.
Vine describes herself as a single mother of four boys, a businesswoman and a nonprofit leader. She is executive director of The Beacon, which provides assistance to women facing crisis or recovering from trauma.
Vine is the second Democrat to enter the 3rd District campaign. She follows Lanon Baccam, who has unveiled a long list of endorsements from prominent Iowa Democrats.
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