Poll: Romney leads in Florida, New Hampshire

Mitt Romney has opened narrow leads in both Florida and New Hampshire as the Republican presidential candidate continues to gain momentum in crucial battleground states off his strong debate performance last week.

The survey from the American Research Group shows Romney with a 49 percent to 46 percent poll in Florida and a 50 percent to 46 percent lead in New Hampshire, two states that represent a total of 33 electoral votes. Another survey of Florida by the conservative-leaning Rasmussen Reports gives Romney a 51-47 percent advantage.

Romney's post-debate gains are most noticeable among women and independents. In Florida, Romney leads 49-45 percent among independents, and now only trails the president by 3 points with women. By contrast, Romney holds an 11-point lead among men.

It also appears that President Obama's attacks on Romney's Medicare proposal have not yet resonated among Florida seniors; among voters over 50, the Republican holds a 54-42 percent lead.

In New Hampshire, Romney holds a similar 48-45 percent lead among independent voters, and only trails the president by a single percentage point with women. Again, Romney posted a double-digit advantage over Obama with men and those over 50 years old.

The surveys were conducted through Thursday night, and do not account for any movement that may have occurred after Thursday night's vice presidential showdown between Joe Biden and Paul Ryan.

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