8NewsNow/LVRJ Poll: Heck Leads Oceguera By Wide Margin - 8 News NOW

LAS VEGAS -- Republican Rep. Joe Heck enjoys a 53 percent to 40 percent lead over Democratic challenger John Oceguera among likely voters in the contest for Heck's seat in Nevada's 3rd Congressional District, according to an 8NewsNow/Las Vegas Review-Journal poll released early Friday morning.

The telephone poll of 663 likely voters by SurveyUSA of Clifton, N.J., also found that 4 percent of respondents favored other candidates and 4 percent were undecided. The poll, taken Monday through Wednesday, had a margin of error of 3.9 percent.

The congressional district covers portions of the southwest and southeast valley, including Henderson.

Heck leads Oceguera in these demographics: men, 57 to 37 percent; women, 49 to 43 percent; voters aged 35-49, 58 to 34 percent; voters 65 and older, 58 to 37 percent; whites, 58 to 36 percent; Asian-Americans, 57 to 29 percent; strong Republicans, 96 to 4 percent; Republicans, 83 to 9 percent; independents, 48 to 30 percent; tea party members, 85 to 2 percent; conservatives, 86 to 7 percent; non-union households, 58 to 35 percent; high school attendees, 52 to 41 percent; those who have some college education, 54 to 39 percent; those with college degrees, 53 to 41 percent; those who earn less than $40,000 a year, 51 to 37 percent; those who earn more than $80,000 a year, 56 to 38 percent; and middle-income earners, 52 to 41 percent.

Oceguera holds the edge over Heck in these demographics: blacks, 66 to 17 percent; Hispanics, 52 to 41 percent; strong Democrats, 92 to 2 percent; Democrats, 81 to 10 percent; liberals, 78 to 15 percent; and union households, 55 to 34 percent.

Heck is viewed favorably by 45 percent of likely voters and unfavorably by 23 percent, with 23 percent neutral and 9 percent having no opinion. Oceguera is viewed favorably by 29 percent and unfavorably by 20 percent, with 28 percent neutral and 23 percent having no opinion.

Among other results in the poll:

* When asked what one issue their congressman should focus on ahead of all others, 52 percent said jobs, followed by the federal debt, 13 percent, health care, 11 percent, education, 10 percent, taxes, 6 percent, housing, immigration or other issues, 2 percent each, and abortion, 1 percent.

* When asked who will do more to protect Medicare, 49 percent said Heck, 36 percent indicated Oceguera, and 15 percent weren't sure.

* When asked who is more in touch with the average working person, 49 percent indicated Heck, 38 percent chose Oceguera, and 13 percent weren't sure.