Republican incumbent Chris Collins and Democratic challenger Mark C. Poloncarz are locked in a razor thin battle for county executive this fall, according to a new Siena College Research Institute poll commissioned by The Buffalo News and WGRZ-TV Channel 2.
The survey shows Collins leading 49 to 46 percent, which is within the margin of error of 3.4 percent and is considered a statistical tie. The results, which the Siena pollsters labeled "surprising" given Collins' advantages in finances and incumbency, are almost certain to shake up a so far sleepy contest as Poloncarz demonstrates a new viability.
* Read more about the poll here
* View a detailed breakdown of question-by-question results from the poll
* News Staff Reporter Denise Jewell Gee profiles Republican Chris Collins
* News Staff Reporter Charity Vogel profiles Mark Poloncarz
--Robert J. McCarthy
