Senate leader Reid calls Gillibrand 'hottest' senator

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid had an unusual form of praise for New York's junior senator, Kirsten Gillibrand, Tuesday - referring to her as "the hottest member" of the Senate as she sat just a few feet away, according to three sources.

The comment at a fundraiser Mayor Michael Bloomberg hosted for Reid at his Manhattan town house prompted Gillibrand to turn red, according to the sources, and created a bit of a stir among the small crowd there.

Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) also was at the event, and Reid praised him at length. Reid then turned his attention to Gillibrand, saying something about how "many senators are known for many things," according to a source.

He added, "We in the Senate refer to Senator Gillibrand as the hottest member."

Gillibrand has been profiled repeatedly for her post-second-baby weight loss and how she achieved it. She also made The Hill newspaper's "Most Beautiful" list. Nonetheless, it's not considered wise politics to say such a thing.

A Reid spokesman confirmed the incident, but also noted that the Democratic majority leader praised Gillibrand for her work, including her knowledge of securities law. A Gillibrand spokesman passed off the quip as an innocent remark, saying Gillibrand continued to hold Reid in high regard.

Politico.com, with Tom Brune