Republican Richard Tisei leads Democratic newcomer Seth Moulton by a small margin in the Massachusetts Sixth Congressional District, according to a new Emerson College poll.
In a survey of 429 likely voters between September 26 and 29, Tisei led Moulton 41 to 39 percent, with a 4.7 percent margin of error.
The poll found an enthusiasm gap among Moulton and Tisei supporters, perhaps due to Democratic resentment among Tierney partisans. Moulton defeated nine-term incumbent U.S. Rep. John Tierny in the Democratic primary last month.
Jobs, taxes, the economy, and an increased focus on security due to the rise of ISIS were cited as top concerns for voters. Among voters who view ISIS and defense as a priority, Tisei leads Moulton (an Iraq war veteran) by 52 to 32 percent, according to the poll.
Tisei leads Moulton 50 to 30 percent among independents - which make up more than half of registered voters in the Sixth District.
