In the crowded race for the Democratic nomination in the 10th congressional district, new data by Public Policy Polling shows candidate Ilya Sheyman with a small lead. The poll, commissioned by the Progressive Change Campaign Committee and MoveOn.org, shows that 49 percent of respondents were undecided, while Sheyman held a slight lead with 23 percent, followed closely by Brad Schneider at 21 percent, who is definitely within the 4.8 percent margin of error. Sheyman is a former MoveOn.org organizer and Schneider is an insurance agent and engineer.

"Democratic primary voters overwhelmingly want a bold progressive candidate who will fight for Wall Street accountability and government investment in jobs -- not a conservative Democrat like Brad Schneider," said Neil Sroka, press secretary for the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, in a statement. "With his people-powered campaign and record as a bold progressive fighter, Ilya Sheyman is winning this race and his lead will only widen as more people are inspired by his message."

John Tree and Vivek Bavda made up the balance with 5 percent and 2 percent of the votes respectively.

The poll also asked what type of candidate voters preferred; 64 percent said they wanted a progressive, while 25 percent opted for a moderate.

The winner in the Democratic primary will likely face Republican incumbent Bob Dold.

UPDATE (1/13/12): Schneider's campaign released the following statement in response to the poll:

llya’s spin of a poll conducted for his campaign that shows the race essentially tied is not what we are seeing and hearing from Democrats across the 10th district who are excited about Brad because they know he will stand up for middle class jobs, protect a woman’s right to choose, preserve Medicare and Social Security and defend our environment against big polluters. Brad is building the kind of strong, people-motivated campaign that can take on take on Tea Partiers in Washington like Bob Dold. That’s why he’s been proud to have the support from Democratic leaders like Melissa Bean, Julie Hamos, and Steny Hoyer in addition to thousands of Illinois 10 Democrats.