Dem poll: Heinrich leads Wilson by nine points in New Mexico Senate race

Rep. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) has a nine-point lead over former Rep. Heather Wilson (R-N.M.) in their Senate race, according to a new poll commissioned by a coalition of environmental groups backing Heinrich.

Heinrich leads Wilson by 50 to 41 percent in the poll, an increase from a four-point lead he had in the same pollster's surveys in late June.

Both candidates have been somewhat at the mercy of outside groups. The coalition that backed the poll has spent more than $1.4 million against Wilson, while American Crossroads and other GOP-affiliated outside groups have spent more than $1.7 million against Heinrich and in support of her.

All public polls of the race have shown Heinrich with a lead, though some have had Wilson within a few points. Partisan polls should always be viewed with some skepticism. The Hill rates this race as "leaning Democratic."

The poll of 505 likely voters was conducted by FM3 Research from Aug. 5-7 and has a margin of error of 4.4 percent.

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