National Journal, July 7, 2006:
As the youngest woman in a Congress dominated by older men, however, Herseth finds that the media aren't always interested in focusing on her speeches and her legislative record. The politics1.com Web site named Herseth as the "hottest woman in politics" in 2004, and her switch to a new hairstyle, including blond highlights, prompted one observer to tell The Hill newspaper in May that she'd gone "from bookworm to bombshell." She has been dating former Rep. Max Sandlin, D-Texas, for several years; the two reportedly met when he served as her Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee mentor during her unsuccessful 2002 House bid.
The publicity that Herseth attracts has some Republicans grumbling. South Dakota GOP Chairman Randy Frederick noted that while the state's press corps regularly scrutinizes Johnson and Republican Sen. John Thune, Herseth has enjoyed a "free ride" in coverage. "Rarely do I see anything from the press that seems critical of her or takes her to task," Frederick said, adding that "she almost has this 'princess' aura -- she can do no wrong."
UPDATE: SD War College on Herseth:
I'd have to agree that the media tends to focus on her looks rather than her record. But then again, most male reporters aren't going to look and fantasize like a juvenile about Thune or Johnson in pajamas having a naughty pillow fight.
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