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RFS Supporters Lead Crowded GOP Field of Presidential Candidates

JOHNSTON, IOWA – The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) today released the findings of the latest and largest poll of likely Iowa Republican caucus-goers on their presidential candidate preference. The poll, conducted by Advantage, Inc., is by far the largest sample of likely Republican caucus-goers in a public poll this year, and allowed voters to choose from 16 commonly mentioned candidates and potential candidates vying for the presidential nomination of the Republican Party.

When asked, “If the Republican Presidential caucuses were held today, and you had to make a choice, for which of the following candidates would you probably vote,” the results were:

Jeb Bush	11%	George Pataki	1%
Ben Carson	13%	Rand Paul	5%
Chris Christie	3%	Rick Perry	7%
Ted Cruz	6%	Marco Rubio	9%
Carly Fiorina	3%	Rick Santorum	2%
Lindsey Graham	2%	Donald Trump	2%
Mike Huckabee	8%	Scott Walker	19%
Bobby Jindal	2%	Other	1%
John Kasich	2%	Unsure	5%

“As we have seen in other credible surveys of Republican caucus goers, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker continues to set the pace in Iowa,” stated TheIowaRepublican.com Editor-in-Chief Craig Robinson. “In one way or another, each the top five candidates in the poll have either publicly expressed support of leaving the current RFS in place or have backed an infrastructure grant program that would help ensure that consumers are allowed choice at the gas pump.  These are vital issues to Iowa’s economy and it should no surprise that the 2016 candidates who understand the importance of renewable fuels issues are in the top tier of the poll.”

“While it is not surprising that the candidates who campaign in Iowa learn firsthand the nuances of agriculture and ethanol, and therefore, understand why the RFS is needed to create market access for renewables and real competition for consumers in the marketplace,” stated IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “At the same time, it’s not surprising that Iowans are drawn to candidates who take the time to learn the full story on these important issues.”

Alexandria, Va.-based Advantage, Inc. conducted the automated telephone survey of 1,235 likely Iowa Republican caucus attendees. The margin of error for a random sample of this size is +/- 2.8 percent at a 95 percent confidence level. Interviewees responded via telephone dial pad to the survey gathered June 8 to 10, 2015.

Iowa is the nation’s leader in renewable fuels production. Iowa has 43 ethanol refineries capable of producing more than 3.8 billion gallons annually, including 22 million gallons of annual cellulosic ethanol production capacity and one cellulosic ethanol facility currently under construction. In addition, Iowa has 12 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce nearly 315 million gallons annually.

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association was formed in 2002 to represent the state’s liquid renewable fuels industry. The trade group fosters the development and growth of the renewable fuels industry in Iowa through education, promotion, legislation and infrastructure development.

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For more information, visit the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association homepage at: www.IowaRFA.org