FACTBOX-Spouses of major U.S. presidential candidates

Feb 4 (Reuters) - Political spouses have played a big role in the run-up to the November 2008 presidential election. Here is some information about the spouses of the main Democratic and Republican candidates vying for their party's nominations:

DEMOCRATS

BILL CLINTON (husband of Hillary Clinton) - The 61-year-old former two-term U.S. president has the best name recognition of any political spouse and can draw large crowds. But he has also attracted negative attention, playing the role of attack dog on the campaign trail. His outspoken criticism of his wife's opponent, Barack Obama, forced apologies from Hillary Clinton and condemnation from some Democratic leaders. Many Clinton fans see his return to the White House as an asset, but for critics he evokes memories of a scandal-plagued presidency. Clinton has joked about being called "First Laddie" if his wife is elected, but said he would settle for "first gentleman." If she wins, Clinton said he would continue his international charity work with his foundation.

MICHELLE OBAMA (wife of Barack Obama) - The Princeton- and Harvard-educated lawyer from Chicago was at first reticent about getting involved in the campaign, but now draws large crowds to her own events. Obama, 44, has taken time off from her job as a vice president of community relations at the University of Chicago Hospitals to campaign for her husband and, like him, has a flair for firing up supporters. Obama says her first priority if she becomes first lady would be her two young daughters, but she would also hope to focus on how women can maintain a work-family balance.

REPUBLICANS

CINDY MCCAIN (wife of John McCain) - The Arizona native and mother of four chairs her family's business -- beer distributor Hensley and Co. McCain has been candid about a stroke she suffered in 2004 and a former addiction to prescription painkillers. She has worked for several international charities and focused on advocating for children's health care. A well-coifed presence beside her husband on the campaign trail, she often introduces him at rallies and is at times the brunt of his jokes. During McCain's frequent exchanges with reporters on his bus, she occasionally interjects her thoughts or defends herself from his good-natured barbs. If her husband becomes president, McCain has said she would like to continue her own volunteer work and would urge others to do the same.

ANN ROMNEY (wife of Mitt Romney) - The Romneys met in grade school and were high school sweethearts before they married. Ann Romney, 58, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1998 and has worked to increase awareness of the disease and raise money for advocacy and research. She credits horseback riding partly for her having few outward symptoms and talks openly about how she balanced MS with raising five boys while her husband pursued his career. A regular on the campaign trail, Romney spends almost as much time on stage talking as her husband. She believes strongly in faith-based organizations and working to improve the welfare of children. (Writing by Deborah Charles; additional reporting by Steve Holland and Andy Sullivan, editing by Stacey Joyce)