MOUNT VERNON, Ohio – President Barack Obama conceded Wednesday he did poorly in a debate last week that fueled a comeback by his rival in the race for the White House. Mitt Romney barnstormed battleground Ohio and pledged “I’m not going to raise taxes on anyone” in a new commercial.

A perennial campaign issue flared unexpectedly as Romney reaffirmed he is running as a “pro-life candidate and I’ll be a pro-life president.” He spoke one day after saying in an interview he was not aware of any abortion-related legislation that would become part of his agenda if he wins the White House.

Romney and Obama maneuvered in a race with 27 days to run as Vice President Joe Biden and Republican running mate Paul Ryan looked ahead to their only debate, set for tonight in Danville, Ky.