In Ohio, Romney Counts on Obama's Hostility to Coal

He hopes the president's energy policies alienate voters

Mitt Romney's battle for Ohio may come down to President Obama's "War on Coal."

Romney has gained on Obama in the crucial state. Before the Oct. 3 presidential debate, the RealClearPolitics average had Obama up 5.5 points in Ohio. It's now down to 2.1 points, with the most recent survey showing a tie.

The GOP hopeful could win without Ohio and its 18 electoral votes. Assuming he wins Florida, North Carolina and Virginia, which seems likely, he could reach 271 by taking New Hampshire, Colorado and Wisconsin.