NBC North Dakota News Primary Election Poll | Video

KFYR-TV | 6/7/2012

We`re less than a week away from the primary election. NBC North Dakota News and Valley News Live in Fargo commissioned a poll to find out where North Dakotans stood now on the U.S. Senate Race. The poll, done by the highly regarded Mason-Dixon Polling and Research Firm talked to 625 potential voters on the subject. The Poll has a margin of error of plus or minus four points.

We asked the potential voters if the 2012 Republican primary was held today, which candidate would you vote for?

Congressman Rick Berg holds a commanding 73 to 16 lead over his challenger Duane Sand.

We next asked people if the 2012 election for North Dakota`s senate seat were held today, would you vote for Heidi Heitkamp or Rick Berg?

Our poll indicates that the race is extremely tight. In this version Heitkamp has a one per cent lead over Berg with seven percent undecided. Both candidates receive overwhelming support from voters who identify themselves with their respective parties. Heitkamp remains competitive because she holds a 52 to 36 percent lead with people who say they are independent.

There is some irony in the poll also. Heitkamp, from Mandan, wins a majority of the vote in Cass County and Eastern North Dakota. Berg, from Fargo, carries Bismarck-Mandan and the western part of the state.

Not surprisingly, Heitkamp is ahead among women and Berg leads with men.

We also did pair Heitkamp against Sand. She won 46 to 38 in that race with 16 percent of the people undecided.

We have poll results from the House race and a look at the presidential race. We`ll bring those to you Sunday night at 10:00 p.m.

For video and commentary from First News at Five click on the "video" link above.

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