A new Democratic internal poll showed Rep. Lee Terry, R-Neb., could face a difficult fight for re-election in 2014.  

The poll, commissioned by the campaign of his Democratic foe, Brad Ashford, showed the two men in a virtual tie. Each candidate had the support of 41 percent of the likely voters surveyed. A third candidate, libertarian Steven Laird, had the backing of 4 percent of respondents.  

Terry faces challenges with his favorability ratings, according to the poll. Thirty-six percent of those interviewed held a favorable impression of the congressman, while 63 percent had a negative view of him.  

Ashford, a state senator, is less well-known than the incumbent, but had a net positive rating. Thirty-seven percent of respondents said they had a favorable impression of the challenger, while 18 percent said they viewed him unfavorably.  

Another potential contender, former Republican state Sen. Chip Maxwell, was not included in the polling memo information. He is running as an independent in the race, creating angst  among national Republican groups.  

Here is the full polling memo:  

This live interview telephone survey was conducted among 400 likely general election voters in the 2nd District. Jefrey Pollock of Global Strategy Group conducted the survey on behalf of the Ashford campaign. The margin of error was 4.9 percent.  

Terry announced Tuesday that longtime state Republican operative Kent Grisham joined his political team as campaign manager.  

“Kent brings more than 25 years of experience in the Omaha political and media professional circles to our campaign,” Terry said in a statement. “We are totally dedicated to the needs of the people of the second congressional district, and Kent’s role will be to make sure we’re getting that word out through a highly energized campaign.”  

The race is rated Favored Republican  by the Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call.