TAMPA, Fla. – Mitt Romney officially gained a historic presidential nomination Tuesday night, as Republicans tried to steer national attention toward their storm-shortened convention and a tight fall race against President Barack Obama.

The former Massachusetts governor became the first Mormon to be nominated for president by either major party, a distinction that eluded his father, George Romney, an unsuccessful Republican presidential candidate in the 1960s. The milestone, assured months ago by Romney’s primary-season victories, ended a nomination journey of more than five years that initially met with his defeat in the 2008 contest.

Romney’s wife Ann and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie were the prime-time attractions on a hastily reprogrammed opening night. Their appearances were designed to advance the convention’s dual purpose: giving voters a more intimate glimpse of the GOP nominee and amplifying Romney’s critique of Obama. Full story.

Afraid I was working too hard last night to catch any of Ann's speech, but I heard a few snippets. How important is the spouse of a presidential nominee to his/her campaign?

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