A family affair: How much influence does Mitt Romney's family have over his campaign policies?

When Mitt Romney announced Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan as his choice for vice president, some scoffed, while others applauded his choice.

Some were indifferent. After all, according to Joe Biden, vice presidents "don't have to do anything" once actually elected.

But what helped Ryan win the so-called veepstakes?

McKay Coppins of Buzzfeed suggests that Romney's family had an integral part in the selection process and, at times, Romney's wife Ann directly influenced her husband to go against his advisers.

According to Coppins, "Romney, who has long trusted his wife's 'people instincts,' gave substantial weight to her endorsement, which, combined with his own personal preference for Ryan, was enough to overrule his advisers' concerns, said one source."

This stands in some contrast to a statement that Romney made in 2002.

"I don't see her playing a role in the administration or becoming an active participant in the political process," Romney said in an interview with the Boston Globe after being elected governor of Massachusetts. "I do see her continuing to be a champion for things she believes in."

According to The New York Times, however, Ann Romney has little desire to wield political influence, but rather sees herself providing a sense of balance to her husband.

According to the Times article, "She exhibits no Hillary Rodham Clinton-type desire to become a player in policy matters, though she has expressed an interest in health issues. She sees a possible example in Mrs. Obama, whom she praised as 'gracious and lovely,' and who similarly provides an outgoing counterweight to a more aloof husband."

Romney's oldest son, Tagg, has also had a measure of influence within his father's campaign.

The Huffington Post reported that Tagg Romney was active in his father's 2002 gubernatorial campaign even receiving a salary.

He has also played an active role advising campaign strategy during the 2012 presidential election. According to Coppins, he and his wife have started to home school their 16-year-old daughter so that he can be an active participant on the campaign trail.

Regardless of where he gets his advice, Romney's supporters, including Wisconsin governor Scott Walker, have always touted his leadership qualities.

Of Romney's choice of Ryan as running mate, Walker said, "He's showed us yet again he's got the capacity to make tough decisions."

Ryan Carreon is a member of the New Media web team. Visit his website at RyanCarreon.com