Early-state polls hint at Bernie Sanders surge

In a trio of new polls in early primary states, Hillary Clinton leads Democratic rivals in Iowa, South Carolina and New Hampshire.

It’s in the Granite State, however, that the former secretary of state’s standing is the least rock-solid, according to new polls conducted by Morning Consult.


Among Democratic voters who say they will participate in the state’s primary next year, 44 percent back Clinton. Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders, the self-described democratic socialist from neighboring Vermont, grabs 32 percent. Vice President Joe Biden, who has shown little inclination to run, claims 8 percent of likely Democratic voters.

In Iowa, Clinton picked up 54 percent, with no other candidate over 20 percent. Sanders finished next, at 12 percent. In South Carolina, 56 percent of likely primary voters expressed support for Clinton.

Former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, former Virginia Sen. Jim Webb and former Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee polled low in all three early states.

The survey polled 905 registered voters in Iowa, including 313 likely Democratic caucus-goers; 906 registered voters in South Carolina, including 309 likely Democratic primary voters; and 816 registered voters in New Hampshire, including 279 likely Democratic voters.

The overall margin of error for each state is plus or minus 3 percentage points, while the margin of error for Democratic respondents in all three states is plus or minus 6 percentage points.