New gubernatorial poll shows Culver leading every other candidate

[amesdem]

DES MOINES, Iowa -- The primaries are about six months away, and poll data show that candidates have a lot of work to do.

Many Iowans polled have more favorable impressions of U.S. Rep. Jim Nussle than Bob Vanderplaats, who are both Republicans.

Among Democrats, the candidates who already hold statewide office are the only ones getting much support.

"People know something about or have heard the name of Congressman Nussle and they don't know who anyone else is at this point," said Dennis Goldford, KCCI's political analyst.

The poll data show that Nussle is leading every Democrat in a head-to-head race.

"It doesn't surprise me that Nussle is winning. He's got all the Des Moines money behind him," said Kurt Erickson, of Story City.

The closest race is between Nussle and Iowa's Secretary of State Chet Culver, a Democrat, in which Nussle wins by 4 percent.

"He's in a position now that's OK, but it's not one he certainly can rest on," Goldford said.

Michael Blouin, former economic development director, has the most ground to make up, getting beat 45 to 18, according to the poll.

This article is from KCCI in Des Moines
Click here to see that poll info - http://www.kcci.com/station/5348955/detail.html