Harry Reid calls Kirsten Gillibrand the 'hottest' member at fundraiser

(POLITICO.com) - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid had an unusual form of praise for New York's junior senator, Kirsten Gillibrand, [yesterday] morning at the fundraiser Mayor Bloomberg hosted for him at his townhouse - referring to her as "the hottest member" as she sat just a few feet away, according to three sources.

The comment prompted Gillibrand to turn red, according to the sources, and created a bit of stir among the small crowd there.

"It was pretty shocking when he said it," said one source familiar with the remark and the reaction.

A Reid spokesman confirmed it happened, but also noted that the Democratic Majority Leader also praised Gillibrand for her work.