Poll: Clinton adds to lead in Iowa

Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton added 4 points to her lead over Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) in the race for the 2016 nomination among Iowa voters, according to a new poll.

{mosads}Clinton now has a 9-point lead over Sanders in that state, 48 to 39 percent, according to the Bloomberg Politics/Des Moines Register survey. Former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley ranks third, with 4 percent. About 6 percent remain uncommitted, while 2 percent are not sure.

Clinton receives higher marks than Sanders in rankings of multiple leadership qualities.

About 60 percent say she has the most appropriate life experience for that role, versus 29 percent for Sanders.

Approximately 55 percent, meanwhile, believe Clinton would make the best commander in chief, contrasted with 28 percent for Sanders.

And roughly 49 percent picked Clinton as having the best temperament for the presidency and about 45 percent say she would work most effectively with Congress.

But Sanders edges out Clinton in several ratings of relatability, pollsters added.

About 49 percent say he cares the most about people like the respondents, versus 38 percent for Clinton.

Approximately 56 percent also said he would fight the hardest for the middle class, contrasted with 36 percent for the former secretary of State.

The poll of 404 likely Democratic caucusgoers in Iowa via telephone interviews was conducted from Dec. 7 to Dec. 10. It has a 4.9 percent margin of error.