Rasmussen Shows Harkin Winning 55% to 37%

A new Rasmussen poll from shows Tom Harkin with a comfortable lead over Republican Christopher Reed. 60% of Iowans have a favorable opinion of Sen. Harkin.

The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Iowa voters finds Harkin ahead 52% to 36%. When “leaners” are included, the incumbent leads 55% to 37%.

Last month, Harkin led his challenger 53% to 37%. The Democrat is currently chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, a key position for a farming state like Iowa.

Harkin fares better among women voters than men in Iowa. He leads 55% to 30% among female voters but has just a 48% to 43% lead among men. Voters not affiliated with either major political party choose Harkin 49% to 27%.

The incumbent is viewed favorably by 60% of Iowa voters and unfavorably by 35%. Reed, a businessman and Navy veteran who has never previously held public office, is less known to Iowa voters. He won a three-way primary to get the GOP nomination. Reed’s numbers are 41% favorable and 29% unfavorable, while 31% have no opinion.