Posted on 04/02/2002 12:14:56 PM PST by rmmcdaniell
Rep. Jim Leach (R) currently holds a commanding lead over his lone Democratic rival, according to a new survey released by the NationalRepublicanCongressionalCommittee. Leach leads pediatricianJulie Thomas 60 percent to 23 percent in the poll, which was conducted by the Tarrance Group on March 6-7. The sample size was 300 likely voters with a margin of error plus or minus 5.8 percent.
After representing the 1st district since 1976, Leach was placed in a district withRep.JimNussle (R) after the nonpartisan redistricting process in the state. Leach announced he would move from his longtime home in Davenport to Iowa City and run in the new 2nd district.
Democrats have a registration advantage in the 2nd, as there are 120,381 registered Democrats and 99,703 registered Republicans. But the moderate Leach has shown an ability to win significant crossover support.
In 2000 he was re-elected with 62 percent of the vote even as Democratic presidential nominee Al Gore carried the district by 10 points.
Thomas' candidacy has been touted by the Democratic CongressionalCampaign Committee, and she received a major boost when farmer JohnWhitaker (D) dropped out of the race just before the March 15 filing deadline.
Due to Leach's policy of not raising money in an off year,Thomas is one of a handful of challengers with a financial lead against an incumbent.
Thomas raised $126,000 through 2001 and had $121,000 on hand, while Leach reported $104,000 raised with $68,000 on hand.
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