The poll found that Mr. Romney made large gains since September in convincing voters that he has the tools to deal with the economy, boost job growth and tackle the federal deficit—the fruit, in all likelihood, of efforts by the Romney campaign to capitalize on momentum coming out of the first debate, in particular. …Five weeks ago, Mr. Obama was even with Mr. Romney or rated higher when voters were asked who was best to handle taxes and the economy. Mr. Romney has since either erased that edge or drawn ahead.

John Halloran, 60, an information technology manager in Jonesboro, Ga., voted for Mr. Obama in 2008 but said he is leaning in favor of Mr. Romney. He said he likes much of what Mr. Obama has done, including his health-care overhaul. But his No. 1 issue is the economy, and “I just don’t think Obama can turn it around,” he said.