New York's junior senator said she took remark as a joke.
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (right) talks with then-Syracuse Mayor Matt Driscoll (left) prior to a Syracuse Say Yes to Education roundtable at the SU School of Management last year. In center is SU Chancellor Nancy Cantor. David Lassman / The Post-StandardWashington -- U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand said this afternoon she is flattered that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid called her the "hottest" member of the Senate, and understood he was trying to be funny when he made the comment Monday.
Reid made the remark at a private fundraiser attended by Gillibrand in the home of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
“He was just telling a joke,” Gillibrand said in a conference call with reporters Tuesday. “He was just trying to be flattering. I respect him greatly and he’s a great friend."
Gillibrand pointed out that Reid went on to praise her skill and work as a senator, particularly on financial matters.
Gillibrand, who lost 20 pounds earlier this year, was voted one of the 50 most beautiful people on Capitol Hill this year by The Hill newspaper.
Contact Washington correspondent Mark Weiner at mweiner@Syracuse.com or 571-970-3751.