Romney shifts to center as his confidence grows

WASHINGTON — Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney is shifting sharply to the political center as he begins to deliver a closing argument aimed at a slice of moderate, undecided voters a month before Election Day.

On taxes, immigration and more, the former Massachusetts governor has toned down his heated, campaign trail rhetoric this week. That included his strong debate performance Wednesday night.

Romney is looking to gain ground against President Barack Obama in the handful of states that will determine the outcome of the competitive race.

The Republican nominee will try to capitalize on his well-received appearance by moderating his pitch and working to narrow Obama's advantage in swing-state polling that aides say showed signs of tightening even before the debate.