Obama visits battleground states ahead of convention

on 01/09/2012 10:28:15

US President Barack Obama is embarking on a four-day march through battleground states and the storm-battered Gulf Coast in the lead-up to his party's convention.

With the Democrat faithful streaming to Charlotte, North Carolina, for next week's convention, Mr Obama returns to Iowa today.

For his part, Republican candidate Mitt Romney looks to capitalise on a newly energised GOP fresh from its convention with a rally in Cincinnati before joining running mate Paul Ryan later in the day in Jacksonville, Florida.

Both campaigns are criss-crossing the country as the campaign enters September, each day adding to the sense of urgency in a presidential contest that has remained tight since Mr Romney secured the Republican nomination in April.