- The Washington Times - Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Iowa Rep. Bruce Braley and state Sen. Joni Ernst are running neck-and-neck in their race to replace retiring Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin, according to a new NBC/Marist poll.

The survey showed that Mr. Braley, a Democrat, and Mrs. Ernst, a Republican, each received the same level of support, 43 percent, from registered voters in Iowa.

Mrs. Ernst was able to rally the establishment and conservative wings of the Republican party to her side on her way to winning the state’s GOP primary last month, giving Republicans hope that they can win the Senate seat.

Among registered voters, Mr. Braley received favorable marks from 36 percent, compared to 38 percent for Mrs. Ernst.

More than four in ten said that they felt strongly that the new health care law was a bad idea, compared to 22 percent who felt strongly that it was a good idea.

More than half of the respondents said they would approve of a proposal that required companies to reduce greenhouse gases that cause global warming, even it it would mean higher utility bills.

They were more split over whether they supported a pathway to citizenship that would allow foreigners who have jobs but are staying illegally in the United States the opportunity to eventual become legal citizens.

The poll showed that 17 percent strongly favored the proposal, and 29 percent somewhat favored it, while 31 percent strongly opposed the proposal and 17 percent somewhat opposed it.

• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.

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