A large majority of Iowans who intend to vote in the state’s presidential caucuses say they favor a candidate who supports biofuels and the ethanol mandate, reports the Des Moines Register. The results come from a poll commissioned by America’s Renewable Future and DuPont. Some 61 percent of Republicans and 76 percent of Democrats participating in the poll said they would be more likely to back someone who favors growth in renewable fuels. Iowa is the No. 1 corn state and also leads the nation in production of corn-based ethanol, the predominant biofuel.
“One of the first big key findings is Republican and Democratic Iowa voters are united in their support for renewable fuels and the Renewable Fuel Standard,” said Eric Branstad, who heads the pro-biofuel group America’s Renewable Future. The margin of error in the poll was plus or minus 4.9 points.
Iowa’s precinct caucuses, essentially neighborhood meetings, are scheduled for Feb. 1 and are the first test of voter support for presidential contenders. New Hampshire holds the first presidential primary, set for Feb. 9.