Ann Romney is sure: ‘Mitt’s going to win!’

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s wife follows a hectic schedule on the campaign trail. It’s hard to gauge the importance of a political spouse’s activities, but she can sway some voters. “The candidate is expected to talk about the issues, and it’s the wife who can talk about the man behind those ideas,” says Lisa M. Burns, a political science professor.

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Ann Romney, wife of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, after an appearance in Simpsonville, S.C., on Sept. 29. She appeared in eight cities over five days that week.

Melina Mara / THE WASHINGTON POST

Ann Romney has breakfast with supporters at Tommy's Country Ham House in Greenville, S.C., on Sept. 29.

Melina Mara / THE WASHINGTON POST

During the breakfast in Greenville, S.C., Romney discussed political issues.

Melina Mara / THE WASHINGTON POST

Snapshots of Ann Romney and her husband lie on a table at Tommy's Country Ham House during the Greenville breakfast.

Melina Mara / THE WASHINGTON POST

Romney jokes with a supporter at the Greenville breakfast. Thus far, she has been the most active of the top GOP candidates' spouses on the campaign trail.

Melina Mara / THE WASHINGTON POST

Romney greets people at Tommy's Country Ham House in Greenville.

Melina Mara / THE WASHINGTON POST

Romney says hello to a small group of supporters at the Westside Library in Spartanburg, S.C., on Sept. 29.

Melina Mara / THE WASHINGTON POST

Romney tells supporters in Spartanburg that she strongly encouraged her husband to run for president, illustrating her point with a pushing motion.

Melina Mara / THE WASHINGTON POST

After speaking in Spartanburg, Romney engages in some one-on-one with a member of the audience.

Melina Mara / THE WASHINGTON POST

Romney picks up a snack of water and nuts in Greenville.

Melina Mara / THE WASHINGTON POST

Romney hugs an old friend encountered during a campaign stop in Simpsonville, S.C., on Sept. 29.

Melina Mara / THE WASHINGTON POST

Romney meets local politicians at City Hall in Simpsonville.

Melina Mara / THE WASHINGTON POST

Romney heads toward the room where she will speak in Simpsonville. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 13 years ago, but the disease is in remission.

Melina Mara / THE WASHINGTON POST

Romney acknowledges applause in Simpsonville. She says she is more comfortable campaigning than she was when her husband sought the Republican nomination in 2008.

Melina Mara / THE WASHINGTON POST

Romney places her hand on the arm of a cancer survivor during the appearance in Simpsonville. Romney was treated for early-stage breast cancer in 2008.

Melina Mara / THE WASHINGTON POST

Romney says goodbye to supporters in Simpsonville after her appearance.

Melina Mara / THE WASHINGTON POST

Romney keeps up a regular exercise routine. On Sept. 29, she walked and jogged around the Governor's Mansion in Columbia, S.C., with a friend and adviser, Susan Duprey.

Melina Mara / THE WASHINGTON POST

Romney looks at portraits on the wall of the Governor's Mansion in Columbia on her way to a GOP breakfast meeting on Sept. 20. She spent the night at the mansion as a guest of Gov. Nikki Haley, a Republican who has not endorsed a presidential candidate.

Melina Mara / THE WASHINGTON POST

Campaign adviser Susan Duprey, left, and Romney review the day's schedule on their way to the GOP breakfast in Columbia.

Melina Mara / THE WASHINGTON POST

Duprey and Romney consult before Romney was to speak at the breakfast in Columbia. South Carolina is an early primary state.

Melina Mara / THE WASHINGTON POST

Romney talks with guests at the breakfast in Columbia. The Romneys have been married for 42 years.

Melina Mara / THE WASHINGTON POST

Chad Connelly, chairman of South Carolina's Republican Party, high-fives Romney before a news conference in Columbia. At the news conference, the Romney campaign made it official that it would devote time and money to campaign South Carolina.

Melina Mara / THE WASHINGTON POST

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