Boxed in on taxes, Romney says Obama dislikes success

By Sam Youngman and Steve Holland
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio/WASHINGTON | Wed Jul 18, 2012 8:47pm EDT

(Reuters) - Mitt Romney accused President Barack Obama on Wednesday of demonizing business success, as the Republican tried to ignore questions about his personal finances that threaten to damage his presidential bid.

Weeks of attacks by Obama about his taxes and business past are preventing Romney from focusing voters' minds on the White House's handling of the weak economy.

Some senior Republicans worry that Romney is becoming boxed in by the Obama team, just at the time in the race when many Americans begin to tune in and form clearer opinions about candidates before the November 6 election.

But a New York Times/CBS News poll showed the race essentially tied with 45 percent expressing support for Romney if the election were held today compared with 43 percent for Obama.

[font size=1]-snip-[/font]