Gov. Scott Walker
A new poll of likely Iowa Caucus-goers shows Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker holding on to a slim lead over a rapidly growing field of Republican presidential candidates, all of which are essentially tied for second.
According to a Quinnipiac University Poll conducted in June, Walker had support from 18 percent of likely Iowa Caucus goers. That’s down from 21 percent in May and 25 percent in February of this year. Poll assistant director Peter Brown notes that Walker still has the highest favorable rating among the likely candidates, and added that a lot of Iowa Caucus-goers who say they are not voting for Walker still like him.
Brown said that Walker has “strong” favorability ratings, but with 16 candidates vying for attention — it’s just “simple math” that support is shifting. “Walker is losing votes…because there are so many candidates that people are moving a little bit to Joe, a little bit to Tom, a little bit to Harry over here.”
Donald Trump and Jeb Bush are bunched in a group of six candidates vying for second place in Iowa, although both Trump and Bush have the highest unfavorable ratings in the poll.
Governor Walker has made multiple visits to Iowa this year as he considers a presidential run. He’s expected to formally announce his bid for the Republican nomination later this month.
Pat Curtis with Radio Iowa contributed this report.