Capitol Hill gets a breather from the earnestness(?) of politics to ogle the dreamboats in their midst. The Hill newspaper released its annual list of its 50 Most Beautiful People.
The poll selected winning faces belonging to all political standings, ethnic backgrounds and ages. But it's hard to argue that this year, the Hill's version of beauty (if not power) skews young -- and Republican.
Of the top 50 on their list, 31 are in their twenties. Another 13 are in their thirties. Good luck if you're in your forties (four on the list) or fifties (two on the list, including Sen. Lisa Murkowski).
This year, good-looking Republicans lead with 26 on the list, to the Democrats' 16. (The rest either define themselves as non-partisan or a variation of "other.")
As for the members selected though, well, there's no dispute that the list is definitely in the red:
- Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.)
- Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.)
- Rep. Cedric Richmond (R-La.)
- Rep. Michael Grimm (R-N.Y.)
- Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.)
- Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)
- Rep. Hansen Clarke (D-Mich.)
But hey, it's a tough political climate right now.
The Hill's feature, now in its eighth year, "provides levity to a serious environment,“ said Hill editor Kris Kitto.
Kitto said the annual process starts in May, when hundreds of candidates are nominated by friends, family and coworkers. You’re eligible as long as you’re affiliated with Capitol Hill, whether you're a member of Congress, a staffer or security officer.
Once the nomination period ends, between 70 and 85 finalists are invited to do photo shoots. The top 50 are then elected by newspaper staff.
If you're an older Democrat, well, just remind yourself that there's always next year.
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