Ohio seems to be the quintessential swing state in the 2012 election for President.

And while Team Obama is working to hard appeal to young Ohioans, it seems the thrill is gone, when it comes to their excitement towards the the current White House occupant. The following are excerpts from an article in The Columbus Dispatch article that reveal the attitudes of many college-age voters in that key state:

The cheering midst of a rally featuring President Barack Obama and a largely college-age crowd of 15,000 on the Oval at Ohio State University would not seem a likely place to encounter those not in the president’s corner.

Yet, the first five students approached at random by a Dispatch reporter on Oct. 9 turned out to support Republican Mitt Romney and his aspirations of replacing Obama in the White House.

The must-vote adoration and enthusiasm for Obama isn’t what it once was among 18- to 29-year-old Millennials in central Ohio, a must-win area in a must-win state for presidential hopefuls.

This is not 2008, when two-thirds of the youth vote broke big for Democrat Obama and his message of change amid the accompanying offer of making history by electing the first black president.

This is 2012, with Obama running on a recession-riddled record. Job prospects are iffy for even educated young Ohioans. Some fear their generation is in danger of failing to match or better their parents’ now-dinged lifestyles.

Husband and wife William, 26, and Katherine Frost, 20, OSU students from Grove City, had high hopes for Obama but now are Romney voters. “Obama didn’t fulfill his promises,” she said. “I’m ready for a fresh change,” he said.

Several students detailed their lack of passion toward either candidate:

Rachel Dininger, 19, an Ohio State freshman from Arlington, Texas, is registered to vote in Ohio. “I’m not a fan of Romney’s emphasis on big business, but I’m uncertain about Obama’s economic plan. My generation is going to have to pay off his (Obama) debt. I could go either way.”

Cameron Phelps, 19, an OSU sophomore from Marion, still is making his call, as well. “I’m not really supporting anybody, but I’m leaning toward Romney after the first debate. I’m uncertain how Romney fixes everything, but Obama’s track record is not good.”

An Ohio professor summarizes his observation about student views:

Herb Asher, a professor emeritus of political science at Ohio State, said youthful excitement over Obama has been tempered by the “real world and reality” of governing during tough times.

“And there’s nothing in particular about Romney’s candidacy that would have unique or special appeal to young people. Neither of the candidates today are considered to be rock stars by young people,” Asher said.