Duke Cunningham

U.S. Rep. Brian BilbrayDemocrat Nick Leibham’s campaign released an internal poll to PolitickerCA.com which the campaign says shows Leibham running competitively with Republican incumbent Brian Bilbray in the 50th congressional district.

“The poll is extremely encouraging,” said Leibham campaign manager Alec Evans. “The 50th is ripe for the picking."

The Leibham campaign’s poll shows Leibham trailing Bilbray by a 52 percent to 34 percent margin. But the poll also finds Leibham trailing Bilbray by a narrower 49 percent to 46 percent “once voters hear about Leibham’s background as a criminal prosecutor and teacher – and his message of change…” the poll says.