Black’s campaign released the poll numbers, which show her leading all candidates in the primary for Tennessee’s 6th U.S. Congressional District, with 41 percent of likely Republican voters favoring Black. She is leading the next closest competitor in the Republican Primary by 19 percentage points.

“I am honored to have such strong support across the sixth district,” Black said. “From the beginning, this campaign has been dedicated to building large grassroots support to help spread my conservative and optimistic message. While this poll reflects what we have been hearing along the campaign trail, we still have much work to do leading up to the Aug. 5th primary.”

Black is one of 17 candidates seeking Gordon’s seat in congress, who will retire when his current term ends in 2010 to spend more time with his family. He took office in 1985 after previous seat holder, Al Gore Jr., was moved into the 4th district.

Gordon is currently serving as chairman of the Science and Technology Committee and as a member of the Energy and Commerce committee. He has also served on the Financial Services and Rules committees, as well as chair of the Consent Calendar committee.

Rutherford County contenders Lou Ann Zelenik and Jim Tracy came in at 22 percent and 20 percent, respectively.

The poll was conducted by telephone from June 28-29 of 400 likely Republican primary election voters. The margin of error for this survey is +/- 4.9 percent. 

According to results of the survey, Black’s lead is built on solid support in her state Senate district that includes most of Sumner County and all of Robertson County. The poll also shows strength for Black in the eastern counties of the district.

According to the poll, respondents have a very favorable view of her with an overall favorability rating of 62 percent, including an 84 percent favorability rating in her State Senate district. Black has a favorable rating of 77 percent in the northern counties, 51 percent in the southern counties and 51 percent in the eastern counties.

Overall, Black has increased her lead since the last poll was conducted from April 7-8. In that poll, Senator Black led overall with 33 percent of the vote.