ATLANTA (August 19, 2012)--The "Solid South" was a political reality that benefited Democrats for generations and then Republicans as Bible Belt and racial politics ruled the day, but demographic changes and recent election results reveal a more nuanced landscape now as the two major parties prepare for their national conventions.

Republicans will convene Aug. 27 in Florida, which is well established as a melting-pot battleground state.

Democrats will meet the following week in North Carolina, the perfect example of a Southern electorate not so easily pigeon-holed.

President Barack Obama won both states and Virginia four years ago, propelled by young voters, nonwhites and suburban independents.

Each state is in play again.

Republican challenger Mitt Romney must reclaim Florida and at least one of the others to reach the White House.