Romney, Obama nearly even now: New AP poll

WASHINGTON (AP) - A new Associated Press-GfK poll shows Republican challenger Mitt Romney is favoured by 47 per cent of likely voters to 45 per cent for President Barack Obama just 12 days before Election Day.

The poll shows Mr Obama has ceded his 16-point advantage among women, while largely erasing Mr Romney's edge among men. The tight results among likely voters fall within the poll's margin of sampling error.

Mr Obama's dip in support among women appeared to reflect a drive by Mr Romney in October to show himself as a more moderate candidate after months of campaigning as a hard-right conservative.

Romney's gains also showed his economic argument has made progress with women as he has sought to soften his image. A month ago, women favoured Mr Obama over Mr Romney on the economy 56 per cent to 40 per cent. Now, the split has shifted to 49 per cent for Mr Romney and 45 per cent for Mr Obama.