Hinson leads Iowa Senate contest as Sand holds edge for governor: Poll

Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) leads her Democratic opponent Josh Turek for Iowa’s open Senate seat as Democratic state auditor Rob Sand holds an edge over his GOP opponent Zach Lahn in the gubernatorial contest, according to a new poll from Emerson College Polling and The Hill. The poll reported Hinson notched 47 percent of support, while Turek received 45 percent. Her lead is within the survey’s margin of error. Thomas Laehn, the Libertarian candidate, received 2 percent support, and 7 percent of voters were undecided.  In the race for governor, 49 percent supported Sand, while 45 percent favored Lahn. Six percent said they are undecided.  Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, noted that support for the candidates was divided on age. "Voters over 50 differ in intensity of support on the Senate and gubernatorial ballot: they break for Hinson over Turek for Senate by 13, but Lahn only by five points on the ballot.” Meanwhile, voters under 50 are more consistent, per Kimball. “They break for Turek on the Senate ballot by 14, and similarly Sand by 15,” he added. The survey also found 42 percent of respondents identified the economy as their top issue, which is up four points from August. This is followed by healthcare at 18 percent, threats to democracy at 10 percent and education at 8 percent.  “Voters who say the economy is the top issue facing the state break for Hinson by four points, 47-43%, but for Rob Sand by three points, …