Poll: GOP's Ernst leads in Iowa Senate race

A new poll shows Joni Ernst, the hog castrating, pistol-packing GOP Senate candidate with a sizable lead in Iowa over her opponent, Democratic Rep. Bruce Braley.

The Quinnipiac poll shows Ernst getting 50 percent of the vote, compared to 44 percent for Braley.

The poll is significant, considering Republicans need a net gain of six seats to gain control and Ernst can help swing things in the GOP’s favor.

Among men, Ernst has a 56-39 advantage, while Braley wins among women, 50-44.

Independents give Ernst the nod, 50-43 percent.

“The tale of independent voters tells you all you need to know about the Iowa Senate race,” said Peter A. Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University poll.

“These independents are perhaps the most important voter bloc in the electorate and State Sen. Joni Ernst is ahead 7 percentage points among them, just about her overall lead. The key to any comeback by U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley will be chipping away at her lead among independents.”

Of those polled, 55 percent say she is honest and trustworthy, while 60 percent say she has strong leadership qualities.