A Public Opinion Strategies poll released last night by Mia Love’s campaign showed the Republican pulling out to a double-digit lead over Rep. Jim Matheson (D) in Utah’s 4th district.

The Saratoga Springs mayor led 51 percent to 36 percent, with 13 percent undecided. Love’s pollster had found Matheson ahead in July with 51 percent, so the new poll indicates a dramatic shift in the race. Previous public polling had also shown Matheson with a signficant lead.

Since then, Love has become far better known, thanks in part to a speaking slot at the Republican National Convention. The poll showed that her favorable rating had improved to 51 percent, up from 39 percent in July. Matheson’s 57 percent favorable rating had dropped from 68 percent.

Love also benefits from presidential nominee Mitt Romney at the top of the ticket. He led President Barack Obama in the district, 73 percent to 25 percent.

The poll was conducted on behalf of Love and the National Republican Congressional Committee and was taken of 400 likely voters from Sept. 10-11 with a 4.9-point margin of error. It was released shortly after questions were raised about Love’s personal story in an article in Mother Jones. A Matheson spokeswoman told the Salt Lake Tribune that the poll’s release was “an attempt to get control of her flailing campaign.”