As Decision 2008 heats up, ask yourself this before you vote - does the candidates spouse matter?

Looking through the pages of history, the United States has had a number of great leaders, and in their shadows were great advisers: the first ladies.

Bill Clinton, Cindy McCain and Michelle Obama are in the running for the White House as well.

"In the public persona, perhaps there is something almost vice president about them," said Marco Castillo, a Government and Politics Instructor at Utica College.

Newsweek magazine breaks down past first ladies into three categories - the "Public Adviser", the "Private Adviser" and the "Quiet Supporter."

"I think it rounds out whoever is in office," said Sue Keehle of Sauquoit.

It was obvious, Hillary Clinton played a very public role when her husband was in office, but the idea that it's a modern phenomenon is not exactly true, according to one local government professor.

Marco Castillo, at Utica College, says it was Eleanor Roosevelt that started it all.

"America wasn't used to that level of government involvement," Castillo said. "Roosevelt did need a partner. Several partners have pushed the idea of social security...to help stabilize social and economic life."

Than there's Bess Truman who is said to have helped advise her husband on the bombing at Hiroshima.

"I don't think we can ignore the impact a spouse can have on either of the candidates any of the candidates," Keehle said.

"More for others, especially Hillary," said Mike Piazza, a Utica College student. "In my opinion the reason people are going to vote for Hillary is because of Bill's experience."

"Bill Clinton" is a household name. But let's not count out Cindy McCain and Michelle Obama.

"They're co-pilots in a way," Castillo said. "They are important aides...with Michelle Obama, again, they do give out stump speeches they do articulate positions. Often they take jabs at the presidential candidate him or herself don't want to take."

In the end, vote for the candidate you feel is right for the job. But remember in sickness and in health...til death do they part.