The Fix is reporting that a new poll conducted for the DSCC (disclaimer) shows Jack Conway leading Rand Paul — 49 to 47 percent — which is Conway’s best performance in a poll since late June. The poll was taken Sunday and Monday, after Conway’s campaign released its now-infamous “Aqua Buddha” ad.

Could be a preemptive strike to head off the independent polling that will surface in the next few days. Hard to believe that Conway’s ad, which earned him public floggings from Chris Matthews and Matt Lauer, and was criticized by several members of his own party, is helping his cause in any way, shape or form.