Russell: Is Heinrich Too Sexy?

Brigette Russell

Capitol Report New Mexico - Last week state auditor Hector Balderas announced his candidacy for the Democratic U.S. Senate nomination in this video that highlights his professional accomplishments and his humble roots in Wagon Mound. A few weeks earlier, Rep. Martin Heinrich released an announcement video showing him at home with his wife, children and chickens. Almost immediately, a parody video of “lost footage” appeared (hat tip to Joe Monahan) in which a Heinrich impersonator says, “I’m the sexiest man on Capitol Hill. I’m Martin Heinrich, and I’m going to be your next senator.” In 2009, Heinrich topped the list of The Hill’s 50 Most Beautiful People on Capitol Hill. The Huffington Post joined in the fun, proclaiming the young freshman one of Washington’s hottest. It seems obvious that being physically attractive is an advantage for a candidate, but academics have written articles and books documenting it. The 1960 Nixon-Kennedy race is the archetypal example of sex appeal winning an election, after radio listeners thought Nixon won their debate, while TV viewers gave the victory to the more attractive Kennedy. The advantage of beauty, like that of wealth, can, however, cut both ways. Read full column here: News New Mexico

Russell: Is Heinrich Too Sexy?