VP Candidate Sarah Palin's Teen Daughter Five Months Pregnant

Sarah Palin, the 44-year-old Gov. of Alaska and second female vice presidential candidate from a major political party, confirmed on Monday, September 1^st that her teenage daughter, Bristol, is about five months pregnant.In that same statement, the Republican governor and running mate of John McCain said, “Bristol came to us with news that as parents we knew would make her grow up faster than we had ever planned. As Bristol faces the responsibilities of adulthood, she knows she has our unconditional love and support.” She also shared, “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're proud of Bristol's decision to have her baby and even prouder to become grandparents.”

According to reports, the specific timing of Sarah’s announcement was made in part to combat intense Internet rumors that she faked her own pregnancy and that her daughter, Bristol, is actually the mother of her 4-month-old son, Trig, who was born last April. Bristol is Sarah and her husband Todd’s oldest daughter and Trig is their youngest son, who was diagnosed with Down Syndrome in the fourth month of pregnancy. Besides Bristol and baby Trig, Sarah and Todd are also parents to Track (19), Willow (13) and Piper (7).

One of John McCain’s top advisors said he was fully aware of Bristol’s pregnancy before Sarah was chosen as his running mate. “The fact is, John McCain had a thorough search and made the decision to add Sarah Palin to the ticket because he believes” that she “will change America,” said Steve Schmidt, chief strategist for the McCain campaign.

Bristol and her fiancé’ Levi’s first baby is due around Christmastime.