Dahlkemper, English debate as new poll shows Democrat up 8

A new poll released the night of the candidates' second debate shows Democratic challenger Kathy Dahlkemper up 8 percentage points over U.S. Rep. Phil English (R-Erie).

It's the second poll in two weeks that shows Dahlkemper ahead of the 14-year incumbent, recasting a race once thought to be in English's favor as a toss-up, if not a favorite for Democratic takeover.

The poll, conducted by Research 2000, reports Dahlkemper has a 49 percent to 41 percent advantage among 400 likely voters asked between Oc.t 6 and Oct. 8. It has a margin of error of 5 percentage points.

A SurveyUSA poll released in early October reported Dahlkemper had a 4-point lead.

The poll's release preceded the second debate between the two candidates. According to The Vindicator, it focused on the campaign's dominant themes, with Dahlkemper tying English to President George W. Bush and English casting himself as an independent voice with a pro-business agenda.

The race between the two candidates has begun receiving national attention after English's reversal of fortune. A story published Tuesday in The Politico named the 3rd District race potentially one of the country's "closest and most revealing."