A GOP Politician Called Her What?!

Today in unsurprising misogyny, Republican state representative Steve Vaillancourt insulted Democratic Rep. Ann Kuster (D-NH) on his blog, saying she would never win re-election because she is, and I quote, "ugly as sin." Vaillancourt added that Kuster's Republican opponent Marilinda Garcia is a clear winner and a better candidate, based on her attractiveness. This farce, which is insulting to both parties, puts Vaillancourt's myopic belief that women can only succeed based on her looks on full show.

Vaillancourt wrote on his blog:

In New Hampshire's second congressional district, if I may be so bold as to speak the truth, Republican Marilinda Garcia is one of the mot attractive women on the political scene anywhere, not so attractive as to be intimindating, but truly attractive.

How attractive is Marilinda Garcia? You know how opposition ad makers usually go out of their way to find a photo of the opponent not looking his or her best. Well...Democrats and Annie Kuster supporters can't seem to find a photo of Marilinda Garcia looking bad at all.

As for Annie....oh as for Annie...and before I continue, I offer that caution, caution, caution, gain.

Let's be honest. Does anyone not believe that Congressman Annie Kuster is as ugly as sin? And I hope I haven't offended sin.

This whole situation is grossly reminiscent of comments Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) recalled hearing after her pregnancy (spoiler alert: "porky" was used). So let's talk, very quickly, about how Vaillancourt believes his male gaze and what appeals to it are barometers for physical prowess.

This guy truly believed, enough to post on his blog that he contributes to as an elected official, that his evaluation of which candidate is more attractive is important and valuable information for voters. And people elected this guy. I just want to be clear about that. Neither women have issued statements on his childish remarks, hopefully because they know full well his opinions aren't worth their time.

But, weirdly enough, I haven't seen Vaillancourt weigh in on the attractiveness of Sen. Jeanne Shaheen versus Scott Brown, both running for one of New Hampshire's seats on the U.S. Senate. Surely he could use his trusted attractiveness quotients to analyze Mr. Brown's merits as a politician? But he won't, because he respects men too much to subject them to that sort of embarrassing scrutiny.

Apparently, neither Kuster nor Garcia deserved enough respect not to be compared like slabs of meat while trying to run for office.

Anyone who knows Vaillancourt's track record won't be too surprised at his newest antics, or his lack of apology for them. In 2012, he formally apologized three times for repeatedly saying “sieg heil," a Nazi salute, during a heated debate on a voter identification bill. His first apologies were rejected thanks to their sarcastic nature, so don't expect too much from him on this one.

Images: Facebook/Annie Kuster, Facebook/Marilinda Garcia, Screenshot, Tumblr