Rep. Childers has edge on GOP challenger in poll

Freshman Rep. Travis Childers has a 5-point lead on his Republican challenger going into the pivotal post-Labor Day stretch of the campaign, according to an internal poll done for the Mississippi Democrat.

Childers led state Sen. Alan Nunnelee (R) 46 to 41 percent in the Anzalone Liszt Research poll obtained by The Ballot Box. The Democratic firm surveyed 400 likely voters in the district Aug. 30 to Sept. 1. The poll has a margin of error of 4.9 percent, which means Childers' lead could be razor thin.

A recent poll for Nunnelee's campaign had the Republican ahead 50 to 42 percent.

Overall, Childers remains well liked by his constituents, according to the new poll, which had him higher than 50 percent in two key categories. The Democrat had a 57 percent favorable rating and a 54 percent job approval rating.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has reserved airtime in Mississippi's first district, but those resources could be directed elsewhere. Party strategists are giving vulnerable incumbents two weeks to prove they're worth the investment, according to The New York Times.

"Every campaign cycle the DCCC and other campaign committees face difficult resource allocation decisions and this election cycle is no different," Chris Van Hollen, the committee's chairman, said in a recent statement.