Essential Estrogen

Since at least mid-April, the presidential campaign for former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has relied heavily on two things: family and technology. Today, however, the campaign is rolling out what might prove to be its secret weapon.

In a letter to supporters today, Ann Romney announced her own website. From her pet causes to her favorite recipes, the first lady hopeful is taking it all directly to not only Iowa caucus goers, but to voters throughout the nation.

"On the new site, I will provide an insider, behind-the-scenes view of the campaign," she wrote. "I hope this site will be forum to not only share ideas and information, but also to share opportunities for getting involved with the campaign."

On the site, Ann writes candidly about her battle with Multiple Sclerosis.

"When I was first diagnosed, it was probably the most difficult time for me," she said. "I was having difficulty with my physical balance, but I would soon realize I was having as much difficulty with my emotional balance. I was overwhelmed and had so many questions. I had always been an independent person, strong and able. I saw the disease as an invading pac man -- eating away at the myelin that was protecting my nerves. It was chewing me up, but I didn't know when or how it would spit me out."

She goes on to detail her treatment -- both traditional and alternative -- and to encourage others suffering from the disease to contact the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

The site also features "AnnTV" as well as family and campaign photos. Such features are hardly new to Romney supporters who have long enjoyed "MittTV" and the Five Brothers Campaign Blog. What is new -- if not downright unusual -- is that while Ann's site may run on the same server as the official MittRomney.com site, for the average web viewer it appears as a separate entity. She remains the only candidate spouse to date that has her own campaign domain name and that is directing voters -- especially female voters -- to her news, views, thoughts and events.

It could be that the Romney campaign has taken the advice of Republican pundits such as Pat Buchannan who recently said on MSNBC that he was surprised Romney didn't have Ann in the spotlight more often.

"...Mitt Romney's wife Ann is absolutely beloved in Republican circles," Buchannan told MSNBC anchor Monica Novotny. "I mean, she is really the favorite wife of any Republican. ... I don't know her, but everything I've seen of him and his family, I think this is the most extraordinary asset Mitt Romney has."

Despite the fact that Buchannan went on to add that Ann's contribution wouldn't be a disadvantage because "she's an extremely attractive lady," it is doubtful the interview passed without bleeping the Romney campaign radar. Whether you or are not a Mitt Romney supporter, there is no denying that Ann Romney plans to add much more than good looks to the 2008 presidential cycle -- and that she's going to do so with her husband's blessing.