An automated telephone poll shows U.S. Rep. Chris Carney, D-Dimock Township, barely leading Republican Chris Hackett in the 10th Congressional District race, but the margin of his lead and the survey’s methodology left Carney’s campaign skeptical of the results.

The poll of 623 likely voters, sponsored by D.C.-based publication “Roll Call,” showed Carney winning 49 percent compared to Hackett’s 45 percent. SurveyUSA conducted the poll with automated telephone calls Aug. 23 to Aug. 25 to a list of likely voters in the district.

Hackett’s campaign touted the poll as proof of momentum; Carney’s campaign disputed the overall results, but said it still shows Carney leading.

“We’re very pleased,” Hackett’s spokesman Mark Harris said in an e-mailed statement. “After more than a month of TV ads trying to promote his paper-thin record in Congress, Chris Carney is still being rejected by voters.”

The poll results seem to indicate what many political analysts have speculated for the last several months — the 10th is close to a toss-up.

Citizens Voice

PA-10 is a Congressional seat that is reliably Republican leaning and a seat we would have never lost in 2006 had the former Congressman Don Sherwood not attempted to strangle his mistress.  What a guy.  This seat is one of our best opportunities for a pick up this year and hopefully even out some of the losses that we will have in the House.

Last week, the Carney campaign released an internal poll claiming that they hold a 27 point lead over Hackett.  LOL  This feeble attempt of manipulation was so pathetic that even John Edwards could shake his finger at Carney and still stand tall.

Nevertheless, this will be a close race just because of Carney’s power of incumbency and the impression among voters that he is a moderate Democrat, which he really isn’t.