Rep. Earl Pomeroy (D) is statistically tied with Republican challenger Rick Berg, according to a new internal poll released by the Pomeroy campaign, which sees the result as good news considering the nationwide political climate and the Republican leanings of the state.

Pomeroy takes 46 percent to 44 percent for Berg, while 10 percent are undecided. The survey was conducted by Garin-Hart-Yang Research Group from Sept. 10 to 12. It surveyed 501 likely voters and had a margin of error of 4.5 points.

“While the 2010 election is certainly among the toughest challenges the Congressman has faced, he is no stranger to winning re-election in less-than-ideal partisan circumstances,” the polling memo states. “Earl Pomeroy’s strong lead with Independent voters DESPITE the current partisan trends, and his solid image as a fighter for North Dakota, give him the tools to wage a strong and ultimately winning campaign this November.”

It’s the third consecutive poll conducted for Pomeroy to show the two neck-and-neck, with surveys in May and July showing similar margins for Pomeroy.