Dead heat in Bay of Quinte

Bye Byers

ABOVE THE FOLD

POLL WATCH — The Liberals are pulling ahead in Bay of Quinte, setting the stage for what could be a stunning upset on byelection day.

According to the latest public-opinion survey from Liaison Strategies, the Grits are virtually neck-and-neck with the incumbent PCs in the race to replace TODD SMITH.

By the numbers: Liberal flag-bearer SEAN KELLY — a Belleville councillor and morning radio show host — is polling at 36 per cent among decided and leaning voters, while the PCs TYLER ALLSOPP, also a local councillor, comes in at 35 per cent. The difference is within the margin of error, making it a statistical tie.

It’s a far cry from the last round, in which the PCs pulled 49 per cent and the Grits scored 18 per cent.

Pollster DAVID VALENTIN says the snap byelection call gave the parties little time to prepare. “The race is now unexpectedly competitive as the Liberals benefit from running a well known city councillor and local radio personality…Perhaps there is something in…