A new Quinnipiac University poll shows Iowa’s U.S. Senate race could be headed for a “photo finish” with Republican Joni Ernst at 48 percent and Democrat Bruce Braley at 46. The survey shows Braley with a wide lead among early voters, as 58 percent of those who’ve already voted told the pollsters they voted for Braley, while 37 said they had voted for Ernst. Ernst says that’s not worrisome to her. “We have got some great grassroots out there and so many supporters,” Ernst said. “A lot of Republican voters will typically go out to the polls on Election Day.” Iowa Republicans announced Wednesday that for the first time, more Republicans than Democrats have voted early. Democrats argue they’re getting independents to cast a vote for the Democratic ticket. Ernst says Republicans have the enthusiasm edge.

“I guess last night over at the ‘Victory Office’ there were more volunteers than phones,” Ernst says. “People are so energized right now.”Ernst spoke early this morning (Thursday) to the Greater Des Moines Parternship, a group representing 21 central Iowa chambers of commerce, and she repeatedly referred to her “opponent.” “I don’t want to get his name wrong,” Ernst said. “Unfortunately, you know, it’s become a big joke and I’m afraid I’m actually going to call him the wrong name.”

Earlier this month First Lady Michelle Obama called Braley “Bailey” seven times before the crowd at Drake University corrected her. Obama was in Iowa City Tuesday and she joked that she often calls her daughters and the family dog by the wrong name, too. South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham is campaigning with Ernst today (Thursday) and he told the crowd it was out of “self-interest” because he’ll become a committee chairman if Republicans take control of the U.S. Senate.

“The best thing I can do for South Carolina, I think, is get the Senate under new management. It’s broken, fundamentally broken. I think she is the solution, not the problem” Graham told reporters. “…Her voice, the voice of a military commander — would be a welcome addition.” Ernst is a batallion commander in the Iowa National Guard.

Eighteen senators are military veterans, according to a Roll Call analysis, and Ernst would become a veteran if she’s elected. Ernst has said she’ have to resign her post in the Iowa National Guard if she wins this Senate race.

(Radio Iowa)