WASHINGTON (AP) -- At nominating conventions over the next two weeks, Democrats and Republicans are playing political matchmakers between their stars and critical groups of voters in a tight presidential election that's all about keeping supporters or peeling them away from the other guy.

For President Barack Obama, Mitt Romney and congressional candidates battling for control of Congress, victory in 2012 likely lies in the suburbs of the nation's swing states with women and undecided voters. The neck-and-neck nature of the presidential race heightens the importance of energizing party stalwarts -- and getting them to cast actual votes on Election Day.

The Republican convention will feature speakers like Ann Romney, designed to fire up female voters, and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a tea party favorite. Democratic speakers include former President Bill Clinton.

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