A new poll released by the campaign of New York Democratic Rep. Tim Bishop found the incumbent leading GOP challenger Randy Altschuler by 14 points among likely voters. In a horserace matchup, Bishop took 53 percent to Altschuler’s 39 percent.

Eight percent of those polled were undecided. Also, 54 percent of those polled had a favorable opinion of Bishop, while 36 percent had an unfavorable opinion of him. Forty-two percent had a favorable opinion of Altschuler, while 29 percent had an unfavorable opinion of him

The race in New York’s Long Island-based 1st district is a rematch of 2010, when Altschuler, a businessman, lost by a very narrow margin. While the district was adjusted during the redistricting process, the partisan makeup remained about the same, so the 14 point margin seems somewhat far-fetched.

Bishop has received some bad press in recent weeks. Politico reported Aug. 16 that Bishop’s campaign asked for a donation from a constituent who was in the midst of being helped by the Congressman’s official office. Bishop denied any wrongdoing.

“Anyone who knows anything about our race knows this poll is a joke,” Altschuler adviser Chris Russell said in a statement to Roll Call. “Tim Bishop got caught red-handed in a serious pay-to-play scandal two weeks ago …

“Congressman Bishop’s decision to fabricate and release this bogus polling memo is a last ditch effort to try and prevent campaign donors from abandoning his rapidly sinking ship,” Russell added.

The poll, conducted by respected Democratic firm Global Strategy Group, also found President Barack Obama winning the district, 50 percent to 45 percent for GOP nominee Mitt Romney.

Live telephone interviews surveyed 402 likely general election voters in the district from Aug. 26-28. The poll had a margin of error of 4.9 points.

Roll Call rates the race as Leans Democratic. While it’s probably not by a 14 point margin, Bishop definitely still has the edge in this race.