Poll finds races for president, Senate tight in North Carolina

Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and her Republican rival, Donald Trump, are in a deadlocked presidential race in the swing state of North Carolina, a new poll released Monday shows. 

{mosads}The High Point University poll finds Clinton with 43 percent support among likely voters, while Trump has 42 percent. Another 10 percent support Libertarian nominee Gary Johnson. 

The percentages were calculated to include respondents who said they were leaning toward a candidate but still aren’t sure. 

The poll also shows voters are more confident Clinton will perform the best in the first presidential debate Monday night. Forty-seven percent say Clinton will win. Thirty-six percent have more confidence in Trump. 

Trump has a 1-point lead in North Carolina according to a RealClearPolitics average of polling in the state.

The new High Point University survey also shows a tight race between Sen. Richard Burr (R) and Democratic challenger Deborah Ross. 

That race is considered a toss-up as Burr seeks to defend his seat and help Republicans maintain control of the Senate. 

Burr has 45 percent support from likely voters while Ross has 43 percent, when leaning voters are taken into account. 

A RealClearPolitics polling average gives Burr a lead of 1.9 percent. 

“These are all important races because they may determine which party has the most control in Washington, D.C. and who will shape policy in Raleigh,” said Martin Kifer, associate professor of political science and director of the poll.

“As the general election campaign moves forward, we will look for more clues about why voters are showing these preferences.”

The poll was conducted between Sept. 17 and 22 among 404 likely voters in North Carolina and has a margin of error of 4.9 percentage points.