Poll: Foster and Biggert Neck and Neck

A new poll shows Democratic challenger Bill Foster leading incumbent Judy Biggert by less than 1 point in the candidates' battle to represent the new 11th District.

Professional polling firm We Ask America released the results of an automated Oct. 28 poll showing former 14th District Congressman Foster leading the seven-term Republican 50.4 percent to 49.6 percent.

According to the poll, which sampled more than 1,300 likely voters, the candidates were tied among women, while Foster showed a slight — as in 2-point — lead among male voters. 

The race between Biggert and Foster has been a contentious one, with the two accusing each other of negative campaigning and Foster taking aim at Biggert over a controversial ad released by the National Republican Congressional Committee.

The ad accused Foster of personally profiting from his two-year stint representing the 14th District, a claim he called an "outright lie."

The opponents' last go-round came last week during a live televised debate on WTTW's "Chicago Tonight," where Foster and Biggert sounded off on tax cuts and gay marriage.

This week, Foster, who supported the Dream Act, appeared at a forum aimed at at addressing issues of interest to the Will County Latino community. Biggert sent a representative to discuss her views on immigration and related topics.

READ: Candidates Share Positions at Forum For Immigrant Community

The poll results were as follows:

Poll type: Automated Date: Oct. 28 Participants: 1,303 likely voters Margin of error: ± 2.7%