Tim Pawlenty aide Vin Weber apologizes for saying Michele Bachmann has "sex appeal"

Former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty speaks during a town hall meeting Monday, May 23, 2011, at the State of Iowa Historical Building in Des Moines, Iowa.

/ AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall

Vin Weber, a top adviser for GOP presidential hopeful Tim Pawlenty, apologized Wednesday night for comments he made citing "sex appeal" as one of the reasons for fellow Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann's success.

Weber, a co-chairman of Pawlenty's political action committee, said in a Wednesday interview with the Hill that "sex appeal," along with hometown appeal and ideological appeal, would make Bachmann, R-Minn., "very hard to beat" in Iowa.

"She's got hometown appeal, she's got ideological appeal, and, I hate to say it, but she's got a little sex appeal too," Weber said.

In a Wednesday night statement, Weber quickly walked back the remarks.

"I made a mistake that was disrespectful to my friend Congresswoman Bachmann," Weber said. "I've been a Bachmann supporter in her congressional bids and I apologize. I was not speaking on behalf of Governor Pawlenty's campaign but nevertheless, it was inappropriate and I'm sorry."

The controversy highlights apparent tensions between the two campaigns: both Pawlenty, the former Minnesota governor, and Bachmann, a current Minnesota Representative, are social conservatives who are counting on strong Iowa performances to solidify their roles in the contest. Bachmann, however, has recently seen a surge in the polls while Pawlenty's strength appears to have taken a dip.

Pawlenty condemned Weber's comments as "wrong" in remarks to reporters Wednesday night.

"I don't believe that he or anyone else should be using as a reference somebody's sex appeal to judge their fitness for office or the strength of their campaign," he said, according to the New York Times. "It was a wrong statement. He should not have been making that reference."

Bachmann's campaign has so far declined to comment on the matter.

[aintfakin]

a blow up doll has more charisma

[royrogers1948]

If someone does not know her or what she is like and sees a picture of her you could say she looks hot or sexy, BUT after learning what she is like she looks like the devil in disguise.

[JV1970]

The Christian actor/cowboy Roy Rogers would never say anything like this! You're a disgrace to his name and memory!

[Lindag10]

JV: The man has a right to his opinion and can use any name he wants. How do know WHAT the original Roy Rogers would say? Channeling again?

[formrusmcsgt]

Vin Weber obviously likes mentally-challenged women....he must be on the insecure side.

[TheLostTruckDriver]

I hereby apologize for all future comments or other noises that may come out of my mouth or other orifices.

_______________________________________

[Lindag10]

Great, now you NEVER have to say "excuse me" or "I'm sorry" again. Love it.

[queenofromania]

Sex appeal? Physical attractiveness is only skin deep, but Bachmann's ugliness runs to the bone. She's hot, but I'd make her wear a bag over her head.

[documemts]

She must be asexual in order to be the high priestess of the 'baggers.

[Imthaid2]

God forbid a politician be allowed to tell the truth.

[aintfakin]

the truth?
only as it applies to repugnicants....or anyone else in to making "love" robots

[WeHappyFew]

Sex appeal? He's kidding right?

[Lindag10]

Who knows what appeals to men? I always think she's shrill and annoying, but maybe that doesn't bother men.

[retiredgustav]

Compared to Pawlenty (who looks like Gomer Pyle)she is the beter looking of the two, but either one has any common sense or a sense of history.

[JV1970]

At least Weber was man enough to admit his mistake and apologize! It takes a real man, or real woman, to admit they're wrong!

[Lindag10]

Since you NEVER apologize, it sounds weird coming from you.

[Paul_I]

He should have worked in the term "Man up" since almost every female politician uses it against their male counterparts and are not criticized for it.