The first public poll is out in the 3 way race for NY’s 26th Congressional District, and as expected the numbers show a tight race.

Republican Jane Corwin is leading with 36 percent of the vote. But Democrat Kathy Hochul is only 5 points behind, with 31 percent. Meanwhile, 3rd party candidate Jack Davis, who has pledged to spend $3 million of his own money on the race, has 23% of the vote.

Green Party candidate Ian Murphy only polled at one percent, while nine percent of responders said they were undecided with 4 weeks to go.

What I find interesting is that Jack Davis, a former Democrat who also sought the Republican party’s backing in this race, is polling at roughly 20% with both Republicans and Democrats. So he isn’t necessarily hurting Corwin or Hochul more.

Another interesting number is that Hochul has a one point lead over Corwin in Erie County – where both politicians are from – and where most of the voters are in the sprawling 7 county district.

Both Corwin and Jack Davis have already put more than a million dollars of their own money into the race. But during the last fundraising period, Democrat Kathy Hochul actually raised more cash from outside donors, over $300k, and did it without help from the DCCC.

As Liz alludes to in her post yesterday, these poll numbers could convince DCCC Chair Steve Israel to find some funds to support Hochul’s bid.

26th CD 2011 Special Poll Release 1 — FINAL

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