BUFFALO, N.Y. — Today's tight race in New York's 26th Congressional District has become a referendum on the Republican plan to transform Medicare.
The western New York district is among the most conservative in the state.
Nevertheless, the latest poll shows Democrat Kathy Hochul (HOH'-kuhl) with a slight lead over Republican Jane Corwin in the race to succeed Republican Chris Lee. Lee resigned in February after shirtless photos surfaced that he'd sent to a woman on Craigslist.
Corwin was the early favorite but has seen her lead shrink after expressing support for a proposal to recast the government's health plan for seniors as a voucher program.
Siena Poll Director Steve Greenberg says voters cite jobs, Medicare and the deficit as top issues.
The poll shows tea party candidate Jack Davis a distant third.
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