In January, Democrat Chet Culver, the Iowa Secretary of State, and Republican Congressman Jim Nussle were tied in the polls 40% to 40%. Now, after nine months of campaigning, it's tied once again, 42% to 42% (see crosstabs).

When leaners are added in the mix, Nussle has 45% and Culver 44%.

Culver has been at least a point or two ahead for most of the year. But he has typically been unable to rise above the low 40s. Until now, Nussle has been unable to pierce 40% support.

When voters are asked how strong their support is for the candidates, 29% of all voters say their support for Nussle is certain; 13% say they support him but might change their minds. For Culver the breakdown is 28% and 14%.

A few days before Rasmussen Reports conducted the current survey, the candidates met in a televised debate. They clashed over taxes, abortion, which candidate is most responsible for the negative campaigning, and whether Iowa needs a new prison. Nussle's doubts about the prison prompted Democratic Governor Tom Vilsack to weigh in the next day and tell reporters that the state's prisons are overcrowded.

Three more debates are scheduled before the election.

It seems voters are more eager to avoid Nussle than Culver. Seventy-one percent (71%) of Nussle supporters consider their vote to be "for Nussle" rather than "against Culver" (22%). By contrast, just 50% of the Culver vote is "for Culver"; 38% is "against Nussle."

Nussle has higher favorables overall, and he is viewed "very favorably" by 22%, while Culver is viewed so favorably by only 15%. On the other hand, Nussle's "very unfavorable" number is also higher, 18% to Culver's 13%.

Governor Vilsack's job performance is approved by 54% of all voters; 20% "strongly approve."

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