An internal poll paid for by the George Fearing (D-Richland) campaign shows an unexpectedly close race in Central Washington's 4th Congressional District.

The poll showed Fearing trailing Rep. Doc Hastings (R-Pasco) by five points, 52.5 percent to 47.5 percent.  Undecided was not an option in the question.

403 likely voters were randomly dialed in the poll, done by the Bainbridge Media Group, and it carries a margin of error of +/- 6.8 percent.

Although most political trackers have considered this seat to be safely Republican, in part because of Hastings' long incumbency and the politcal leanings of the region, Fearing did outraise Hastings in a number of quarters this year.

The same poll also showed that 79 percent of respondents were unhappy with the direction of the country, and 65 percent were unhappy with Hastings' performance in Congress.