Blue Iowa Survey: Influential Iowa Democrats Weigh In on King-Vilsack Race

Iowa Democrats express confidence that Christie Vilsack can take down Steve King, R-Kiron, in Iowa's 4th district this November, but they have more doubts about a victory in this race than congressional campaigns in Eastern Iowa, according to Patch.com's latest Blue Iowa survey of influential Iowa Democrats.

Of responding Democrats, 13 percent somewhat or strongly disagreed that will win, and another 19 percent are neutral on the race. However, most of the respondents do think Vilsack will win, including 36 percent who strongly agree and 32 percent who somewhat agree.

"Vilsack will give a fight. Iowans are tired of negative expressions and his bashing of those he disagrees with," one person commented.

Perhaps Iowa's most watched race on a national scale is this battle of heavy hitters in the fourth district. Vilsack is the former first lady of Iowa and wife of U.S. agriculture secretary Tom Vilsack, while King, who is loved by followers (and loved to be hated by opponents), is seeking his sixth term in office.

The King-Vilsack race is being watched closely nationally, as is the Latham-Boswell matchup, which the National Journal has identified as one of five “blue chip” House races in the country.

The 31 Democrats responding to this Blue Iowa survey are a mix of current and former office holders, party leaders, candidates and activists. The survey was inspired by academic research showing that endorsements by party "actors" at all levels — officeholders, party officials and local activists — are a critical leading indicator of primary presidential elections.

Blue Iowa looks at the mood of influential Democrats as campaigning for the general election approaches. Those who agree to take part in the survey are noted below, but individual answers are kept confidential.

Patch also runs Red Iowa, our survey of influential state Republicans. Take a look viewed the four races.

The four races in Iowa are getting national attention. Because redistricting eliminated a congressional seat in Iowa, it has created some interesting match ups, and, despite opinions here in our survey, the large number of independent voters in Iowa means none of the races are a sure thing.

Influential Iowa Democrats are most confident that will pull out a win over Republican Ben Lange, in Iowa's first district, according to the Blue Iowa survey.

Of the 31 people who took part in the survey, 71 percent strongly agree that Braley, of Waterloo, will retain his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Another 23 percent somewhat agreed that Braley will defeat .

None think Braley will lose, while one respondent is neutral and one has no opinion on the race.

Not far behind Braley on the confidence meter among Democrats is Dave Loebsack in the Democratic-leaning second district of Iowa. In fact, when you add those who somewhat agree and strongly agree that he will defeat Republican opponent and political newcomer John Archer, Loebsack has a perfect score.  

The survey shows 64.5 percent strongly agree and 35.5 percent somewhat agree that Loebsack will win.

While, you might say the respondents are just rooting for the home team, Democrats appear a little shakier on the campaigns in the central and western parts of Iowa.

Overall, in all the races, respondents think the Democrats have the advantage.

"Democrats are fortunate to have four strong candidates in the races," one person commented.

At least 23 percent of respondents in Patch.com's latest Blue Iowa survey have their doubts about whether Democrat Leonard Boswell can defeat GOP candidate Tom Latham in November.

Another 13 percent are either neutral or have no opinion. On the other hand, 67 percent strongly or somewhat believe will win.

"Latham's money advantage will make it tough for Boswell to win, and King's incumbency will make it difficult for Vilsack to win," one respondent said.

The -Boswell race is an interesting one because it pits two sitting congressmen against each other, thanks to redistricting.

If you'd like to take part in either survey, contact Iowa Regional Editor Todd Richissin at todd.richissin@patch.com.

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