(Las Vegas, NV)  –  Dean Heller has opened up a significant lead over Shelley Berkley in the race for U.S. Senate.

A new “Review-Journal/8 News Now” poll shows the Republican incumbent with 47% support among Nevada voters, versus 39% for the Democratic congresswoman.

Pollsters say Heller may have benefited from growing GOP enthusiasm after Mitt Romney’s debate performance last week.

The two candidates will hold their second debate Thursday night at 8pm and can be heard live on 100.5 KXNT.