The Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate race in North Carolina are neck and neck.

The latest research, conducted by the nationally recognized polling firm SurveyUSA, shows Jim Neal tied with State Senator Kay Hagan in the race to face off against Republican incumbent Elizabeth Dole.

The poll shows 23% of likely voters prefer Jim Neal, with 24% for Hagan - a statistical tie well within the 4.2% margin of error.

North Carolina holds its primary May 6^th.

Jim Neal says the survey confirms what he’s hearing on the campaign trail. “I’m pleased with these results. It shows our message is beginning to resonate with the voters. We’re running our campaign the old-fashioned way - traveling throughout the state, meeting the voters and listening to what they have to say. Our campaign offers a clean break from the career politicians and insiders who have controlled our government for too long,” Neal said.

The poll found 38% of likely voters are undecided. It was conducted February 11^th by SurveyUSA for WTVD-TV in Raleigh and surveyed 550 likely voters statewide.

SurveyUSA has accurately predicted results in the 2008 primaries on par or better than the Gallup poll. SurveyUSA has polled 26 contests across the nation this election cycle.

SurveyUSA is an independent, non-partisan, full-service opinion research firm that conducts scientific research for media, government, and private-sector clients in all 50 states. More than 19 of the nation’s 25 largest media companies have contracted with SurveyUSA to conduct opinion research.

The North Carolina survey also showed podiatrist Howard Staley was preferred by 8%; John Ross Hendrix, a former Republican, 4%; and truck driver Duskin Lassiter, 3%.