All tied up in Iowa

I usually don't write individual posts about polls.  Though, since Iowa is the most pivotal early contest, and because the latest poll puts the candidates in a virtual tie, it is tough to resist.

A Washington Post Poll finds that the race in Iowa is neck and neck...and neck:

In the poll, 27 percent said they would vote for Obama, 26 percent forClinton and 26 percent for Edwards. The only other Democrat to registerin double digits was Bill Richardson , the governor of New Mexico , at 11 percent. Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. (Del.) and Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich (Ohio) trailed at 2 percent, and Sen. Christopher J. Dodd (Conn.) at 1 percent.

The survey found that nine out of every ten likely caucus-goers are paying close attention to the race -- completely different than most other parts of the country.  People in Iowa, as in New Hampshire, will study this field closely and not give the benefit of doubt to any of the candidates.

The poll was taken between July 26th and July 31st, which was smack-dab in the middle of the verbal squabble between Clinton and Obama.

As they say in sports when there is a tie, it's a completely new game starting now.  Those three candidates have an equal shot of winning Iowa.  Although, mark my words, don't count Richardson out yet.

Comments

[Devil's Advocate]

This poll has sealed John Edwards' fate. He staked his entire campaign on Iowa; it is over.

Actually, for us political junkies, this is no surprise.

But, at least we will start to see less of that pitiful man. Unless, of course, his wife decides to run for him.

You can read my take at Copious Dissent - Your Daily Dose of Liberty

[George]

Edwards needs to go away. He's not winning anything. If you campaign for 5 years and still cant win even the 1 state you've been all over 19 times, time to hang it up. I have no idea why netroots has this affinity for him.