In the afternoon of July 8, the Daniels campaign released this statement: In response to vicious, salacious and false rumors spread by liberal bloggers across the Internet, the Rutledge family announces that Penelope Rutledge, the 17-year-old daughter of VP Nominee Susan Fox Rutledge and her husband, is nearly six months pregnant. Penny Rutledge and the father of her future child are engaged. Her parents wish to emphasize that they support their daughter’s decision to have the child as all life is precious. They also know that parenthood for Penny and her future husband at such a young age is not an ideal circumstance, and they will do all they can to support the couple in the difficult task they have ahead of them. Penny, her husband-to-be, and the Rutledge family ask the public and the media for compassion and privacy in this matter. Shrapnel. Shrapnel flying everywhere is the best way to describe the havoc the announcement created.