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U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley should compromise with Democrats on a plan to reform the nation’s health care system, according the latest Iowa Poll conducted by The Des Moines Register.
The poll found that 52 percent of Iowans want Grassley to compromise with Democrats while 39 percent would rather he drop out of negotiations.
From The Register:
Iowans’ politics affect their opinions on Grassley’s role, the poll shows:
• Among Grassley’s fellow Republicans, only 35 percent want him to compromise with Democrats on health reform; 54 percent would rather see him drop out of the negotiations; and 11 percent are unsure.
• Among Democratic Iowans, 70 percent would rather see him compromise; 22 percent would rather see him drop out; and 8 percent are unsure.
• Among political independents, 49 percent would rather see him compromise; 43 percent would rather see him drop out; and 7 percent are unsure.
Those numbers could prove significant. Almost no political observer believes Grassley’s 2010 re-election is in doubt, despite taking heat for several controversial comments surrounding health care reform. There are currently two Democrats vying to take on Grassley, with a rumored third candidate waiting in the wings. However, social conservatives have repeatedly threatened Iowa’s senior senator with a 2010 primary, with much of their consternation involving Grassley being involved in health care negotiations.
With only 39 percent of his fellow Republicans supporting continued involvement in the health care debate, the calls for a primary challenge to Grassley could grow louder if he does eventually vote for some form of health care legislation.
The poll included 803 Iowa adults and was conducted by Selzer & Co. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.
The Register promises to release more information from the poll on Sunday, including Grassley’s approval numbers and where Gov. Chet Culver stands compared to the Republicans hoping to unseat him next year.
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