Internal poll shows Democratic challenger even with Rep. Allen West

Democratic challenger Patrick Murphy released a poll Thursday that showed him tied with incumbent Rep. Allen West (R-Fla.) in what looks to become one of the hardest-fought House races this November.

According to the poll, both Murphy and West garnered 45 percent of likely voters, with 10 percent of the district still undecided. Asked their opinion of West, 42 percent of those surveyed said their impression was favorable, while 41 percent said it was unfavorable. West also split voters when asked whether he deserved reelection, with 42 percent saying yes and 44 percent saying the district needed "someone new."

The Murphy campaign categorized the poll as encouraging, especially considering West's high profile and Tea Party backing. The Florida congressman is a regular fixture on cable news talk shows and is known for his sometimes controversial remarks; according to the poll, some 83 percent of the district's residents know who he is. 

"Even at this early stage of the campaign, it's clear that Allen West has a tough road ahead in convincing Treasure Coast and Palm Beach voters that his abrasive, combative style deserves another term in Washington," Murphy said in a statement. "These numbers confirm what we have known for months — that this will be one of the most competitive and closely-watched races in the country."

West is facing a tough reelection battle after redistricting forced him into a new congressional district more evenly split between Republicans and Democrats. Florida's 18th district, where West is now competing, contains less than a quarter of the congressman's current constituents. 

Murphy's poll also measured presidential preference in the district and found presumptive Republican nominee Mitt Romney leading President Barack Obama 49 percent to 46.

The Hill continues to project this race as a toss-up in its latest round of House election ratings.

---