A new poll released this morning shows Republican Joni Ernst holding a lead of 6 percent over Democrat Bruce Braley in the race for Iowa’s open U.S. Senate seat. The Quinnipiac University Poll surveyed 1,167 likely voters between September 10-15.

The poll found Ernst led Braley 50 to 44 percent. The key to the Republican candidate’s slight edge is with independents. The poll found 50-percent of independent voters back Ernst, while 43-percent support Braley.

Earlier this month, a Loras College poll had Braley holding a lead over Ernst by four points.