On May 12, 2011, former Iowa governor Chet Culver (D) endorsed the National Popular Vote bill at a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington DC.
A survey of 800 Iowa voters conducted on February 17-18, 2009 showed 75% overall support for a national popular vote for President. The question was "How do you think we should elect the President when we vote in the November general election: should it be the candidate who gets the most votes in all 50 states, or the current electoral college system?” By political affiliation, support for a national popular vote for President was 82% among Democrats, 63% among Republicans, and 77% among others. By age, support was 76% among 18-29 year olds, 65% among 30-45 year olds, 76% among 46-65 year olds, and 80% for those older than 65. By gender, support was 82% among women and 67% among men. By race, support was 75% among whites (representing 93% of respondents), 65% among African Americans (representing 2% of respondents), 86% among Hispanics (representing 1% of respondents), and 58% among others (representing 4% of respondents). The survey had a margin or error of plus or minus 3 1/2%.