Greenwich Democratic Town Committee Chairman Jim Himes (D) released internal polling data showing him in an even contest with Rep. Christopher Shays (R).

The Feldman Group poll showed Himes and Shays tied at 45 percent each among the 500 likely voters interviewed Sept. 17-18. Himes campaign manager Dana Houle said the poll was proof of Himes’ strong position to win the race.

“Jim Himes now has the momentum in this race,” House said. “This poll is clear confirmation that voters believe that Jim Himes is the candidate who can bring change to Washington.”

The polling data also showed that 60 percent of voters say they are familiar with Himes — up from 49 percent in August. Also according to the survey, Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.) led GOP nominee Sen. John McCain (Ariz.), 56 percent to 33 percent in the district.

Shays, the last GOP House Member in New England, has long been a Democratic target. Shays has often defeated his Democratic opponents by only a few thousand votes in a district that voted for Democratic presidential candidates in 2000 and 2004.