For the 2d time Donald Trump has been topped in Iowa, but this time it is by the surging Ted Cruz. Iowa is actually a perfect fit for Cruz since it has a strong evangelical/Tea Party base. Even so, the poll shows a very tight race with top 4 contenders. Trump and Carson continue to slide, but Marco Rubio continues to gain momentum with Cruz. However, all 4 remain close contenders. It breaks out as follows:
24% – Cruz
19% – Trump
17% – Rubio
13% – Carson
6% – Bush
4% – Paul
3% – Fiorina
3% – Kasich
2% – Christie
2% – Huckabee
1% – Santorum
<1% – Graham
13% – Undecided
There is still room to play in Iowa beyond the 13%. Only 20% of the respondents have “completely decided” on their vote. 49% have a “strong preference,” but another 18% of those making a selection only indicated a “slight preference.” In other words, among the top 4, it’s anybody’s game.