WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama has won in the all-important state of Ohio, a serious blow to Mitt Romney's hopes of putting together the electoral votes he would need for victory.

He's also taken Iowa's six votes. That puts Obama within 12 votes of the magic number of 270.

Without Ohio, Romney needed to win nearly every other competitive state or pull off upsets in traditionally-Democratic states, and he has so far failed to do so.

Recent polls have consistently shown Obama with a small advantage in Ohio, where his bailout of the auto industry is popular.

Both candidates made stops throughout the state in the final days before the election, and Romney added an election-day visit to Cleveland in hopes of avoiding defeat in the state.
BET Politics - Your source for the latest news, photos and videos illuminating key issues and personalities in African-American political life, plus commentary from some of our liveliest voices.  Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.