A new Reno Gazette-Journal/KTVN poll finds Democratic challenger Jill Derby (D-Carson City) is within striking distance of incumbent U.S. Rep. Dean Heller (R-Carson City) in the 2nd Congressional District.

Derby, a former state Democratic chairwoman, trails Heller 47 percent to 42 percent, according to the poll. However, the 5 percent margin of error and recent registration swings in the 2nd District favoring Democrats suggest the poll could actually be good news for the challenger.

In a June 14 Las Vegas Sun poll, Heller led Derby by 14 points, 53-39; he defeated Derby by five points in locking up his first term two years ago.

Registration numbers show Democrats have picked up 14,000 new voters in the district since then, while Republicans have lost voters.

Derby has also benefitted from financial support from the national Democratic party, which has targetted Heller's seat as vulnerable to takeover.