New York's Finest: Kristen Gillibrand Voted "Hottest Senator" by...Majority Leader Harry Reid?

Not that New Yorkers don't already take what some might consider excessive pride in our great city and state's offerings, but it's never not nice to have a reminder from others of just how great it all is. Unless it's a creepy comment from an old man noting the attractiveness of a certain senator of ours.

At a fundraiser for Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Politico reports that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada) did this:

[Reid said] something about how "many senators are known for many things," according to a source. He added, "We in the Senate refer to Sen. Gillibrand as the hottest member."

Wait, so these guys sit around talking about how hot Gillibrand is? And they told her this to her face?

[This was said] as she sat just a few feet away, according to three sources. The comment prompted Gillibrand to turn red, according to the sources, and created a bit of stir among the small crowd there. "It was pretty shocking when he said it," said one source familiar with the remark and the reaction...Reid spokesman Jim Manley, reached by POLITICO, said, "What can I say, she made The Hilll's 'Most Beautiful list. Of course he also went on to praise her skill and tenacity and described her as an effective member of the New York delegation as well."

Awk-ward. Obviously forthcoming is a paginated gallery of Kristen Gillibrand looking hot, now. Somewhere out there, Chuck Schumer is either stewing in jealous, or laughing. Probably laughing.

[fkamer@villagevoice.com]