Poll: Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton locked in tight race in Iowa
Bernie Sanders leads Hillary Clinton in a close race in Iowa, 49 percent to 45 percent, on the strength of support from men, very liberal, and younger likely Democratic caucus voters, according to a new poll released by Quinnipiac University Wednesday.
Only two percent say they're undecided, but 19 percent could change their minds.
Men support Sanders by a wide margin, 63 to 32 percent, while women back Clinton 54 to 40 percent.
Younger voters 18 to 44 years old strongly prefer Sanders to Clinton, 78 to 21 percent. Clinton is more popular with voters 45 to 64 years old, by a margin of 53 to 39 percent, and by 71 to 21 percent among voters over 65 years old.
Quinnipiac's assistant director of the poll, Peter Brown says everything depends on who shows up Caucus night.
"Perhaps more than other contests, the Iowa caucuses are all about turnout. If those young, very liberal Democratic Caucus participants show up Monday and are organized, it will be a good night for Sen. Sanders," Brown said.
Self-described "very liberal "likely caucus-goers back Sanders over Clinton 63 to 32 percent, but "somewhat liberal" voters back Clinton 53 - 40 percent. "Moderate" and "conservative" voters are divided, with 47 percent for Clinton and 46 percent for Sanders.
Those who say the economy and jobs are the most important issues pick Sanders 53 to 41 percent, but Clinton leads 50 to 44 percent among those who think health care is the top issue in this election.
From January 18 - 24, Quinnipiac University surveyed 606 Iowa likely Democratic Caucus participants with a margin of error of +/- 4 percentage points. Live interviewers call land lines and cell phones.
The Quinnipiac University Poll, directed by Douglas Schwartz, Ph.D., conducts public opinion surveys in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, Ohio, Virginia, Iowa, Colorado and the nation as a public service and for research.