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A virtual dead heat is how the latest Quinnipiac University Poll pegs the race for the Connecticut governor's seat. Democrat Dan Malloy and Republican Tom Foley are about even in voter preference, according to statistics released Monday, just hours before polling stations open throughout the state.
That scenario paves the way for independent voters to potentially decide the election.
For the first time Foley has a slight lead, 48 percent to Malloy's 45 percent. But the margin of error is plus or minus 3.2 percentage points, which puts them in a statistical tie as they approach Election Day.
The poll asked likely voters only about Malloy and Foley and did not ask about independent candidate Tom Marsh.
Poll director Douglas Schwartz said voters who label themselves independent, as well as those who have held back on a choice or are just now making up their minds, could be the deciding factor in the tight race. And, he added, a significant number of those voters are choosing Foley.
In Monday's poll, 6 percent of voters remained undecided, and another 11 percent who named a candidate said they could change their mind. That's similar to poll results released Oct. 26 that showed Malloy with a 5 percentage point lead.
"The late deciders are breaking for Tom Foley. There has been a big shift among independents in the final week of the campaign toward the Republican," Schwartz said.
He added that Foley has momentum in the final days of the campaign, as unfavorable opinions of Malloy have risen.
"But this race is too close to call," said Schwartz. "With 6 percent still undecided, there is still room for movement."
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