Obama holds small edge over Romney in key swing state

Washington, Nov 01: A week before the US presidential poll, President Barack Obama has secured a five- point lead in the crucial swing state of Ohio over his Republican rival Mitt Romney, according to a new opinion poll.

Results of a new Quinnipiac University/CBS News/New York Times poll of likely voters also found that Romney has gained ground in Florida and Virginia, where the race is now effectively tied ahead of the November six election.

Obama now leads Romney 50 per cent to 45 per cent among likely voters in Ohio - exactly where the race stood on October 22.

His lead in Florida, however, has shrunk from nine points in September to just one point in the new survey, which shows Obama with 48 per cent support and Romney with 47 per cent.

Obama's lead in Virginia has shrunk from five points in early October to two points in the new survey, which shows him with a 49 per cent to 47 per cent advantage.

The margin of error in the poll is plus or minus three percentage points.

The survey was taken from October 23 to 28 and completed before the onset of the "superstorm" Sandy, CBS News reported.

Romney has taken the lead among seniors in Florida in the new survey and increased his lead among white voters, and he has a significant advantage among independents in Virginia.

In Florida and Ohio, the candidates are now running about even on handling the economy. In Virginia, Romney has an edge.

In Florida and Ohio, Obama, a Democrat, leads among those who have already cast their ballots, with a significant lead in Ohio, 60 to 34 per cent.

In Florida, Obama is up 50 to 44 per cent.

Among those who have yet to cast their vote, the two candidates are even in these states.

Just a small percentage of voters in Virginia have already voted, the report said.

There are few voters left in these swing states who have not made up their minds.

Now, at least 95 per cent of likely voters - including both Obama and Romney voters - have decided who they will support.

In all three states, Republicans remain more enthusiastic about voting this year than Democrats.

Florida Republicans in particular have become far more enthusiastic than Democrats over the past month.

There is now a 16-point enthusiasm gap between Republicans and Democrats in Florida, 63 per cent to 47 per cent, up from four points a month ago (52 to 48 per cent).

Obama continues to enjoy a double-digit lead among women, 53 to 43 per cent, but that lead has been almost cut in half since last month.

Romney has increased his advantage with men from three points last month to nine points now, 52 to 43 per cent, the report said.