Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders are statistically tied in the newest Iowa poll released on Thursday.
The Des Moines Register/Bloomberg Politics poll shows Clinton leading Sanders by 2 percentage points, 42-40, which falls within the survey’s 4.4 percentage point margin of error. Former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley is at a distant 4 percent.
“Democrats are much more likely than Republicans to say this is an election about issues, rather than leadership. That really explains the division in the party,” said pollster J. Ann Selzer in Bloomberg. “Half of those who say this election centers on issues support Bernie Sanders, versus 37 percent for Clinton. Among those who say the election is about leadership, it’s just the opposite. Half say Clinton is their first choice, versus 29 percent for Sanders.”
The poll shows just how much Sanders has surged in the Hawkeye State, as he trailed Clinton by 51 percentage points a year ago, and trailed by just 9 points last month. With less than three weeks remaining until caucus day, the race is tighter than ever.
The poll surveyed 503 likely Democratic caucus-goers from Jan. 7-10. Approximately 14 percent of respondents said they were not sure who they would support or are uncommitted.
