The raw public display of emotion that followed NDP Leader Jack Layton's death left many with a renewed sense of appreciation for not only the political leader but the party he helped resurrect.

In the week following his death, people from all political stripes came forward to express their appreciation for Layton's work and the values of socialism he preached daily through his work with the NDP.

It's no surprise then that with less than a month to go until the provincial election, we've seen obvious signs that more people are feeling a little warmer towards the NDP.

Several election polls released since Layton's death has found there has indeed been a "Layton effect" as the Ontario NDP continue to gain ground.

A Nanos Research poll conducted back in early August saw the NDP trailing in third place with 16.2 per cent support. Two more Nanos polls released in September show the party gained considerable support since Layton's death on August 22.

In a poll released Sept. 12, more than 400 Ontarians (415) who identified themselves as decided voters were asked which party they would consider voting for in the provincial election.

This particular survey -- conducted on September 10 and 11, showed the NDP still at third place, but now with the support of 24.3 per cent of decided voters.

The poll, which was commissioned by CP24/CTV/GlobeandMail, lists its margin of error as plus or minus 4.9 per cent, 19 times out of 20.

A Harris-Decima poll released days earlier on Sept. 9 listed the same figures for the NDP. But that poll was conducted over a two-week period, starting days after Layton's death. The poll was conducted between August 25 and September 4. Layton died on August 22, sparking a week's worth of tributes in Ottawa and Ontario, including a public memorial at Roy Thomson Hall on August 27.

It must be said that there has been strong indications that the public's perception of the NDP was beginning to change long before Layton passed away.

The federal election is certainly proof of that with the NDP moving into opposition with for the first time in the party's history. Layton led that victory and in the polls leading up to the spring vote, he was consistently voted as the most popular leader.

Nonetheless, political pundits wondered if the NDP would continue their hot streak in the Ontario election -- a province still feeling burned by Rae Days -- a time when Bob Rae was leader of the NDP and the premier.

Many Ontarians who lived through that time of financial instability swore off the NDP and while it's highly unlikely the party will manage to get into opposition at the provincial level, it seems as if residents are softening their stance.

Aside from polls, there have been other signs the Ontario NDP is gaining steady support.

Some MPP candidates have been using Layton's name in an automated message to voters, asking for support.

Michael Prue, the MPP in the Beaches-East York riding sent out the following message to his constituents:

"This has been a difficult time for New Democrats everywhere with the incredible loss of our leader, Jack Layton. We shared sadness but we also shared a sense of renewed commitment, inspiration and hope."

A similar message was also sent out by Don Harris, the NDP MP in Scarborough-Southwest, in an attempt to drum up support for provincial candidate Bruce Budd.

The leader of the party Andrea Horwath sent out a stern message to candidates, warning them against such behaviour.

"I don't think that's the right way to do things frankly, and when I found out it was being done that way I've made it very clear that I don't want that to happen anymore," she told reporters at a campaign stop in Windsor.

Horwath, who was asked by Layton's family to join them in greeting his casket when it arrived at Toronto City Hall ahead of the public memorial, said voters have approached her, wanting to talk about Jack.

In fact, one person even asked to take a picture with her, thinking she was Layton's replacement.

She attributed the success of her campaign and any support she may have gained to the "energy" of the candidates and volunteers.

"I think a lot of that is the result of the legacy that Jack left not only in his passing but before that when he had that fantastic success federally," she said in an interview with The Canadian Press. "I've said all along that put some energy into our party that's very, very positive, and that's the focus that we're taking."

But political watchers have also praised Horwath's own charisma and leadership for the party's seeming success.

Horwath is the NDP's first female leader. She is also only the second woman to lead a party in the history of Queen's Park.

The platform she unveiled in June has been hailed as a practical approach to politics that focused on the bread-and-butter issues affecting all Ontarians – jobs and affordability. For example, she has promised to make heating your home more affordable by excluding it from the HST.

Nonetheless, Horwath still has her work cut out for her, despite the party's growing popularity.

With Liberal Leader Dalton McGuinty and Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak tied for leadership in the polls, Horwath could be the swing vote in a minority government.

It's a role the NDP could finesse for a future election in less than four years time where a strong campaign could let Horwath make history all on her own.