WASHINGTON (AP) -- A slowly improving U.S. economy is helping President Barack Obama gain ground in many of the 14 states where the presidential contest with Republican Mitt Romney hangs in the balance.
Recent polls have shown Obama gaining an edge over Romney in several so-called swing states. Voters in swing states such as Ohio and neighboring Michigan and Pennsylvania do not reliably support the candidate of either the Republican or Democratic party.
Current polling shows Obama leading in eight swing states. Romney leads in three, and new polling was unavailable for three others.
A resurgence in manufacturing is helping the economy, and Obama's chances, in Ohio and Michigan. Over the past year, both states have seen decreasing unemployment rates, which are a key measure of economic recovery.