Final Ohio Poll shows Romney, Obama in virtual dead heat

The final Ohio Poll, released late Monday, finds President Obama with a lead over GOP nominee Mitt Romney, 50 percent support to 48.5.

The president’s edge is within the poll’s 3-point margin of error and marks little change since last week’s poll, which gave the president a 2-point lead.

In the state’s Senate race, the Ohio Poll also finds Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown topping GOP contender Josh Mandel with 51 percent support to 47.

The final Ohio Poll is the latest in a number of surveys that show the crucial battleground is still a toss-up as voters head to the polls. 

A Rasmussen survey on Monday put the candidates in a 49-49 tie, while a Sunday Columbus Dispatch poll gives Obama a 50-48 lead.

Almost all polls, though, have shown Obama ahead of or tied with Romney in the state, with some giving the president a much wider margin. A Survey USA poll released Monday shows Obama up 5 points at 49-44, while a poll from Democratic-leaning Public Policy Polling shows the president up 52-47.

Polls show Obama with an edge among those who have voted early in the state, and strategists say Romney will need a large Election Day turnout to overcome that advantage. 

Ohio has 18 Electoral College votes, and both candidates would see their path to victory narrowed if they fail to capture the Buckeye State.

The president held a rally on Monday with musicians Bruce Springsteen and Jay-Z to rally supporters, while Romney will return to Cleveland, where he is expected to visit his campaign’s field office in the city.

The Ohio Poll was conducted from Oct. 31 to Nov. 4.

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