The campaign of former U.S. Rep. Anne Northup (R-Louisville) contends its race in the 3rd Congressional District against incumbent U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth (D-Louisville) is closer than the latest public polling indicates.

A SurveyUSA poll released Monday showed Yarmuth with an eight point lead over Northup whom he defeated in 2006 to take the seat. That lead was narrower than a 10 point lead Yarmuth showed in July and a 17 point lead from June.

Northup’s campaign chair said the poll was close to what he expected.

“I think it’s about right,” Jackson told PolitickerKY.com. “Our belief is it’s inside five.”

“Its reflecting the trend we are seeing,” added Jackson.
Yarmuth unseated Northup in the last election for the 3rd District seat, winning by just over two percent.

Based on that, Jackson said this year the rematch is “really a race between two incumbents,” arguing the race will continue to get attention as election day nears.

“Our expectation is that at some point it will become a targeted race,” said Jackson.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has already committed some funds to defending the 3rd District, reportedly allocating $659,000 in funds for ad buys in the race.

At the same time, the National Republican Congressional Committee already indicated Yarmuth’s seat is one they are eyeing for pick-up.

Jackson said Northup’s campaign had the “funds necessary” to execute their paid media plan, though no specifics were revealed.

Yarmuth’s campaign launched its first television ad of the election this week.