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Candidates' Children Hit The Campaign Trail (PHOTOS)

Candidates' Kids Hit the Trail (SLIDESHOW)
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By 

Managing Editor, Breaking News, HuffPost

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As the 2012 presidential campaign heats up, some candidates are turning to a secret weapon on the campaign trail: their kids. While most candidates bring out their families at events and invite their children to make speeches on the trail, many campaign kids are also stepping into key roles in their parents' presidential bids.

Jon Huntsman's three oldest daughters have taken over the spotlight -- arguably getting even more press than Huntsman does -- and the Romney brothers have fundraised while their Dad courts voters in early primary states.

Here's a look at political offspring who have worked the campaign trail:

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Before You Go

Candidates' Kids On The Campaign Trail
The Huntsman Girls(01 of10)
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Former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman's three oldest daughters made a name for themselves by tweeting from the campaign trail using the @jon2012girls account in 2012. Liddy, Mary Anne and Abby, all in their mid-twenties, have steadily gained followers since the campaign.Huntsman's daughters have also done a slew of television interviews, and have produced a few campaign videos of their own--most notably, a parody of Herman Cain's infamous smoking ad. (credit:AP)
Meghan McCain(02 of10)
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Arizona Senator John McCain's daughter was a staple on the campaign circuit in 2008, often blogging about life on the trail. Meghan, who has been vocal on issues like same-sex marriage and abstinence-only education, hoped to help her father connect with the younger generation of voters. The 27-year-old has since parlayed her campaign season fame into a career as a political commentator. She writes a column for the Daily Beast, released a campaign memoir in 2010 and was recently hired as an MSNBC contributor. (credit:Getty Images)
The Romney Brothers(03 of10)
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Former Massachusetts Governor Romney's five sons, who were a frequent sight on the campaign trail in 2008, have reemerged to support their father in his latest presidential bid. Oldest son Tagg has been giving interviews and courting young GOP donors, while middle child Josh meets with voters in Iowa. Craig, Mitt's youngest son, has also made a few appearances with his father. (credit:AP)
Rand Paul(04 of10)
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Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), the son of libertarian Ron Paul, has been active in his father's latest presidential campaign. He often sends e-mails on behalf of the elder Paul, a congressman from Texas, and has made appearances on the trail to stump for his dad. (credit:Getty Images)
Elizabeth Santorum(05 of10)
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Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum's 20-year-old daughter--shown here during her father's unsuccessful re-election bid in 2006-- was a fixture on her dad's failed 2012 presidential run. Currently a student at the University of Dallas, Elizabeth took time off from her studies to meet with voters in Iowa, host events and give radio interviews. (credit:AP)
The Palins(06 of10)
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In 2008, GOP Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin's family made a splash on the campaign trail. The former Alaska governor's five children--Track, Bristol, Willow, Piper, and Trig--often appeared at campaign events with their mom, even after news broke that teenage Bristol was pregnant. (credit:Getty Images)
Beau Biden(07 of10)
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Beau, Delaware's Attorney General, introduced his soon-to-be-VP dad Joe at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. His speech, which detailed the auto accident that killed his mother and sister, moved some delegates to tears. (credit:AP)
Sarah Huckabee(08 of10)
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Mike Huckabee's daughter, Sarah, took on a bigger role in her father's campaign than the usual routine of stump speeches and photo-ops. She acted as her dad's field director and top campaign adviser, and reportedly played an integral role in her dad's surprising Iowa caucus win. (credit:AP)
Cate Edwards(09 of10)
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Cate first started campaigning with her dad, a former Senator from North Carolina, while an undergrad at Princeton in 2004. During his 2008 campaign, she started making campaign stops on her own in key states like New Hampshire. After news of her father's affair broke, her role took a decidedly different turn as she stood by Edwards during his perp walk from a Winston-Salem courthouse. (credit:Getty Images)
The Bush Twins(10 of10)
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The Bush Twins were notably absent on the trail in 2000, but became more publicly involved in George W. Bush's reelection campaign in 2004. They made appearances on their father's bus tour through swing states, and worked at the campaign's Arlington headquarters. (credit:Getty Images)
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