The Hill News

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. 

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