The Kirsten Gillibrand campaign has just released an internal poll which claims she's closing in on GOP Rep. John Sweeney. The campaign's polling memo claims that Sweeney is leading Gillibrand by only eight points, 47% to 39% -- far less than a previous poll. Pollster Jefrey Pollock concludes: "All data points are headed in the right direction for this campaign...there is no reason to think that she can’t pull even with or ahead of Sweeney in the next 45-60 days." More from the memo after the jump.

More from pollster Pollock's memo:

Kirsten Gillibrand is now within striking distance of John Sweeney, trailing by only 8 points before Labor Day weekend, usually seen as the time when voters really tune into elections. In addition to being under 50% in the vote, Sweeney’s unfavorable rating has increased to 32%, and 41% of voters want to replace him as their Congressman. Gillibrand, meanwhile, is gaining momentum, with her favorability and familiarity ratings more than doubling since May...

Gillibrand’s familiarity and favorable ratings more than double in three months. Gillibrand has increased her familiarity (from 21% in May to 51% now) and increased her favorability from 16% in May to 34% today.

Sweeney continues to move in the other direction: His favorability rating has dropped to 52% (from 57% in May) while his unfavorable rating has risen to 32% (from 26% in May). Meanwhile, Sweeney’s job approval rating is also slumping: His positive job rating has dropped to 52% from 57%, while his negative rating has risen to 30% (from 25% in May). And a full 41% of voters would vote to replace him if the election were held today, a troubling finding for an incumbent officeholder who will have difficulty improving his image in a crowded campaign environment.