President overcomes a sluggish recovery and a withering campaign with Mitt Romney to move to brink of victory

By David Espo, Associated Press
First Posted: November 07, 2012 - 12:44 am
Last Updated: November 07, 2012 - 1:10 am

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On the verge: With victories in the key battleground states, President Barack Obama moved tantalizingly close to the 270 electoral votes needed to win. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Fighting spirit: 'We fought to the very end,' Republican challenger Mitt Romney said earlier on Election Day. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

WASHINGTON –– President Barack Obama stepped to the brink of re-election early today, capturing battleground Ohio from Mitt Romney and edging ahead in other pivotal states despite a weak economy and high unemployment that crimped the middle class dreams of millions.

At home in Chicago, the president all but claimed victory. “This happened because of you. Thank you” he tweeted to supporters.

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