Latest Independent Poll: Obama's Ohio Lead Is Shrinking

A new poll indicates President Obama's lead in Ohio is shrinking. The Quinnipiac University/CBS News poll released Monday put the Democratic president ahead of Republican Mitt Romney 50 percent to 45. Obama led 55-40 among women and Romney 51-44 among men. Romney led independent voters 49-42 percent. Romney had more support among white voters, while blacks were heavily for Obama in the poll. A Quinnipiac survey Sept. 26 had shown Obama with a 10-point lead. The poll also shows Democratic incumbent Sen. Sherrod Brown holding the lead over GOP Treasurer Josh Mandel, 51-42 percent. The poll surveyed 1,548 likely Ohio voters Oct. 17-20, using land lines and cell phones. Its margin of error is plus or minus 2.5 percent.