Michelle Obama's mom to join family

WASHINGTON, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- President-elect Barack Obama's mother-in-law is already in Washington and will be joining the family in the White House, the transition team said Friday.

Katie McCormick Lelyveld, a spokeswoman for Michelle Obama, said that Marian Robinson has not decided yet whether she wants to make the move a permanent one, The New York Times reported.

"She is here to help them get up and running,'' Lelyveld said.

Presidential mothers-in-law are something of a White House tradition. Presidents Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower both had extended families in the presidential mansion.

Robinson, 71, played a critical role during the campaign, giving her granddaughters a normal life, the Times said.

In an interview last year, Robinson was dubious about Washington. A lifelong Chicago resident, she still lives in the house where she brought up her family.

"I've never lived outside of Chicago, so I don't know,'' Robinson said. "In the end, in the end, I'll do whatever. I might fuss a little, but I'll be there."