Obama within reach of electoral votes for 2nd term; Romney could still win but path narrower
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/obama-within-reach-of-electoral-votes-for-2nd-term-romney-could-still-win-but-path-narrower/2012/09/30/3eb141f6-0af8-11e2-97a7-45c05ef136b2_story.html
Obama within reach of electoral votes for 2nd term; Romney could still win but path narrower
By Associated Press
DES MOINES, Iowa Five weeks to Election Day, President Barack Obama is within reach of the 270 electoral votes needed to win a second term. Republican Mitt Romneys path to victory is narrowing...
If the election were held today, an Associated Press analysis shows Obama would win at least 271 electoral votes, with likely victories in crucial Ohio and Iowa along with 19 other states and the District of Columbia. Romney would win 23 states for a total of 206.
To oust the Democratic incumbent, Romney would need to take up-for-grabs Florida, Colorado, Nevada, North Carolina, New Hampshire and Virginia, which would put him at 267 votes, and upend Obama in either Ohio or Iowa.
To be sure, much could change in the coming weeks, which will feature three presidential and one vice presidential debate. A host of unknowns, both foreign and domestic, could rock the campaign, knocking Obama off course and giving Romney a boost in the homestretch. ...