Mitt Romney at CPAC, originally uploaded by Rob Bluey.

I just wrapped up a conference call with Ann Romney, wife of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney. She launched a new website today at AnnRomney.com, becoming the first spouse of an 2008 contender to have her own website (excluding former President Bill Clinton). The site features AnnTV, her causes (she has Multiple Sclerosis), favorite recipes and links to stories about her, dubbed the AnnWire.

Of course, anytime a candidate’s family opens itself up to greater exposure, those individuals can expect unwanted attention. That may have been the case this morning when Jennifer Rubin pressed Mrs. Romney to share her views on stem-cell research. She answered Rubin’s first question and then, when asked to explain her views in greater detail, politely declined and deferred such policy issues to husband Mitt.

I asked if she thought the benefits outweighed the risks of communicating online. The entire Romney family has a strong online presence thanks to the Five Brothers’ blog, which also includes posts from Mrs. Romney.

I hope that it will end up being positive. It helps Mitt out more if people see how we function as a family. I think it helps people see and know a candidate.

Regardless of what you think about Romney as a candidate, I think his campaign is making the right move by giving his family greater exposure online. Their personal stories and anecdotes from the trail help personalize Romney, arguably the candidate who needs it most because of his Mormon religion.

So when will be see MichelleObama.com or JeriThompson.com? I’m not sure we ever will since both are currently owned by squatters. Romney’s campaign was clearly thinking ahead.