Freshman Rep. Christopher Carney (D) has a 10-point lead over his Republican challenger, according to recent independent polling data.

A Lycoming College Polling Institute survey showed Carney with 46 percent, businessman Chris Hackett (R) with 36 percent and 18 percent of respondents undecided. The poll of 460 likely voters was taken Sept. 21-25 and had a margin of error of 4.6 points.

“This poll confirms that the people of the 10th district appreciate Congressman Carney’s commitment to representing our values,” Carney campaign manager Vincent Rongione said.

A spokesman for Hackett’s campaign said the poll is concrete evidence that the Congressman can’t get over 50 percent.

“Chris Carney can’t break 50 percent even before voters know the full extent of his liberal record,” Hackett spokesman Mark Harris said. “We are very comfortable with our position in the race to win on Election Day.”

Republicans have targeted Carney’s northeastern Pennsylvania district since he won the seat in 2006 by defeating a longtime GOP Member embroiled in a personal scandal, 53 percent to 47 percent.