Sarah Palin, the Vice Presidential running mate of Republican John McCain, announced today with her husband Todd in a statement that their 17-year old daughter, Bristol Palin, is pregnant and will be marrying the father of the baby.

“We have been blessed with five wonderful children who we love with all our heart and mean everything to us,” the Palins said in the statement. “Our beautiful daughter Bristol came to us with news that as parents we knew would make her grow up faster than we had ever planned. We’re proud of Bristol’s decision to have her baby and even prouder to become grandparents. As Bristol faces the responsibilities of adulthood, she knows she has our unconditional love and support.

“Bristol and the young man she will marry are going to realize very quickly the difficulties of raising a child, which is why they will have the love and support of our entire family. We ask the media to respect our daughter and Levi’s privacy as has always been the tradition of children of candidates.”

Too early to say how this news will effect the Presidential race. The safest thing to say is that the Palin women are extremely fertile. At least Sarah will have a playmate for her 4-month old son.

UPDATE: Levi Johnston is Bristol Palin’s Baby Daddy

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