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WRAL: New polls show Hagan widening lead

Two polls released Monday show Democratic U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan opening up a lead over Republican challenger Thom Tillis.

Raleigh polling firm American Insights, which has Republican ties, had Hagan with a 9 percentage point lead among likely voters.

The polls are the latest in a string showing Hagan gaining ground in the campaign.

Of likely voters surveyed by American Insights, 43 percent said they would back Hagan, 34 percent said they backed Tillis, the current state House speaker, and 5 percent backed Libertarian Sean Haugh.

“The race has unmistakably shifted towards Sen. Hagan in recent days,” said Pearce Godwin, insights director for American Insights, which has Republican ties. “This poll is a continuation and affirmation of the recent trend in her direction. But there is still a lot of time left on the clock, and I would not be surprised if this volatile race shifts back to a jump ball between now and November.”

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