Tense race finds Obama firewall holding

y ALEXANDER BURNS | 11/6/12 4:14 PM EST Updated: 11/6/12 10:48 PM EST Early election returns and exit polls held encouraging signs for Democrats Tuesday night, as President Barack Obama appeared to be holding steady or slightly ahead of Mitt Romney in the largest presidential swing states. Romney, whose aides predicted a runaway victory of over 300 Electoral College votes in recent days, was deadlocked with Obama in the essential states of Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina and Florida — all of which he must win in order to capture the presidency.