BOSTON — Mitt Romney, who a top aide predicted months ago would get an Etch A Sketch clean slate for the general election, is broadening his message and moderating his tone to reach out to swing voters in the run-up to the first in a series of presidential debates this month.

The Republican presidential nominee spent much of the year stressing his support of tax cuts for all, self-deportation of illegal immigrants and the undoing of President Barack Obama's health-care law. Now, he's highlighting a recast message as he seeks votes from middle-income earners, Hispanics, women and fence-sitters of all backgrounds.

Romney's campaign wants to sway undecided voters and those who back Obama yet harbor reservations about him.