Iowa's First Polling

Selzer & Company, Iowa’s most prominent political pollster, released the results of their first survey of the upcoming gubernatorial contest featuring new Gov. Kim Reynolds (R).  According to the poll (1/28-31; 801 Iowa adults; 555 likely voters), Gov. Reynolds leads all of her announced opponents, but by small, or relatively small, margins.  Against state Sen. Nate Boulton (D-Des Moines), Gov. Reynolds leads 41-37%.  Her lead expands to 42-37% over wealthy businessman Fred Hubbell who has already been running television ads.  Against former Obama Administration official John Norris, the margin grows to 41-30%, and 42-30% over former Iowa Democratic Party chairman Andy McGuire.  Gov. Reynolds performs best against local union president Cathy Glasson (44-31%). 
 
In a state that often hosts close election contests, tight margins against the top Democratic challengers aren’t particularly surprising.  Ms. Reynolds was elected Lt. Governor in 2014, and ascended to the Governor’s office when incumbent Terry Branstad (R) was appointed US Ambassador to China.

--Jim Ellis