Rep. Christopher Carney (D-Pa.) has a 2-1 lead over businessman Chris Hackett (R), according to Carney’s own polling.

In the Momentum Analysis poll, Carney led Hackett 54 percent to 27 percent. The poll surveyed 400 likely voters from Aug. 19-21 and had a margin of error of 4.9 points.

Carney’s campaign manager Vincent Rongione said in a statement that the poll confirms the Congressman’s support throughout the district.

“We will continue to fight for every vote and focus on the issues that really matter, but it is very encouraging to see that our positive message is connecting with voters in every corner of northeast and central Pennsylvania,” Rongione said.

The poll also showed Carney was viewed favorably by 53 percent of survey respondents, compared with 18 percent who viewed him unfavorably. Hackett was seen favorably by 27 percent of the survey participants and unfavorably by 19 percent.

Public polling in the race has so far been scarce — until this week. A SurveyUSA poll conducted for Roll Call and released Wednesday showed a much closer race.

In the automated poll of 623 likely voters taken Aug. 23-25, Carney received 49 percent of the vote and Hackett received 45 percent. The poll had a margin of error of 4 points.

Hackett spokesman Mark Harris expressed concerns about the validity of Carney’s poll.

“Carney can make up any numbers he wants,” Harris said. “The independent polling is far more credible.”

Freshman Carney won his seat to represent the sprawling, rural district in 2006 by a margin of 6 points over a longtime Member who was embroiled in a personal scandal. Because Carney is the first Democrat to represent the district in more than 45 years, Republicans have targeted Carney’s seat as a possible pickup opportunity in 2008.