Electoral College Map 2012 Prediction: Obama Risks Losing 12 States, 157 Electoral Votes on Election Day Compared to 2008

.S. President Barack Obama speaks during a campaign rally at Cornell College in Mt Vernon, Iowa, October 17, 2012. (Photo : Reuters)

Current projections show President Barack Obama and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney in a close race when it comes to the Electoral College map.

Back in 2008, President Obama won with a healthy lead in the Electoral College but is likely to lose several states in 2012.

According to Real Clear Politics (RCP), in a projection with swing states electing a candidate today, the Obama-Biden ticket are likely to win 281 votes from the Electoral College against Romney-Ryan's 257 votes.

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The numbers are narrow compared to Obama's victory in 2008 with 365 Electoral College votes to John McCain's 173.

RCP currently lists 10 states as "toss up states," meaning it could go either way for the two candidates.

The 10 states are Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

In 2008, Obama won all 10 toss up states.

Outside of the toss up states, a few states are now likely to go to the Romney column that Romney also won in 2008.

North Carolina gave Obama their 15 Electoral College votes in 2008 but RCP polling averages from polls dating between Oct. 6 and Oct. 17 show Romney leading Obama, 50.3 percent to 44.7 percent.

Indiana is another state RCP categories as "Likely Romney." Obama won their 11 votes in 2008 but RCP polling averages show the former governor leading in double-digits, 53 percent to 40.5 percent.

Overall, current projections show 12 states at risk for Obama, a total of 157 Electoral College votes.

To win the presidential election, the candidate has to reach 270 Electoral College votes, first.

Current Electoral College Map Projections (Photo Credit: Latinos Post)