Election 2008: Facing South analysis -- which Southern states are in play?

Three weeks from Election Day -- which Southern states are in play for the presidential election?

Three leading pundit outifts, Cook Political Report, Atlantic Monthly and Karl Rove & Co., came out with new state rankings today, and all agree there are three big hot spots -- Florida, North Carolina and Virginia. But there are also some potential surprises.

Here's a roundup of the nation's leading political prognosticators, the most recent analysis first. NOTE: If a state isn't mentioned, it's considered solid for John McCain.

POLLSTER.COM (Oct. 14)
Toss-Ups: North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia
Solid Obama: Florida
Lean McCain: Georgia

COOK POLITICAL REPORT (Oct. 14)
Toss-Up: Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia
Likely McCain: Arkansas, Georgia

ATLANTIC MONTHLY (Oct. 14)
Toss-Ups: Florida, North Carolina, Virginia
Lean McCain: Georgia, West Virginia

KARL ROVE & CO (Oct. 14)
Toss-Up: North Carolina
Pro-Obama: Florida, Virginia
Pro-McCain: All the rest

538.COM (Oct. 13)
Toss-Ups: West Virginia
Lean Obama: North Carolina
Likely Obama: Florida, Virginia

ROTHENBERG POLITICAL REPORT (Oct. 13)
Toss-Ups: Florida, North Carolina
Lean Obama: Virginia
Lean McCain: Georgia, West Virginia

NEW YORK TIMES (Oct. 10)
Toss-Ups: Florida, North Carolina, Virginia

CONGRESSIONAL QUARTERLY (no date)
Toss-Ups: Florida, North Carolina
Lean Obama: Virginia
Lean McCain: Arkansas, West Virginia

Want our take? Here's a Facing South analysis of the analysis:

- Florida is between "lean" and "likely" Obama
- Virginia is leaning Obama
- North Carolina is a toss-up
- West Virginia has weakened for McCain, but still leans in his favor
- Arkansas and Georgia are likely McCain