We're just days away from election day and the crucial mid-term elections. In the 24th Congressional district, all eyes are on the Arcuri-Hanna race.
A new poll from the Siena Research Institute finds they're locked in a tight contest. The survey released Wednesday shows two-term incumbent Rep. Michael Arcuri leading Republican Richard Hanna by just five points among likely voters. That's down from an eight point lead last month. Both men are vying to represent the Utica area.
In the new poll, Arcuri leads Hanna by 48 to 43 percent, down slightly from 48 to 40 percent six weeks ago. Both candidates are viewed unfavorably by almost as many voters as those who view them in a favorable light. This may be due to all the negative advertising on television and filling up your mailbox.
"Michael Arcuri continues to hold a slim lead over Richard Hanna in this rematch from 2008," said Siena College pollster Steven Greenberg. "Both candidates do well with voters of their own party, with Arcuri doing a little better among Democrats than Hanna does with Republicans. Independent voters continue to side with Arcuri, giving him a 12-point lead, down ever so slightly from a 14-point lead six weeks ago," Greenberg said. "Arcuri continues to lead in the Southern Tier and western portions of the district, and Hanna is now up 47-45 percent in Oneida and Herkimer Counties, where he previously trailed by eight points."
Greenberg says there continues to be a significant gender gap, with men favoring Hanna 49 to 42 percent and women supporting Arcuri 54-36 percent. "Voters under 55 years of age give Hanna a six-point lead, while those 55 years old and older side with Arcuri by 15 points," Greenberg said.
The big question now is whether Hanna will continue to close the gap before next Tuesday's election. The voters will have their say next week.
