Campaigning For A Girlfriend

Most politicians work hard to maintain a squeaky-clean image. So one would think appearing on a reality TV dating show would be a big mistake.

But don't tell that to Mayor Greg Hill of Redondo Beach, Calif., who recently appeared on not one, but two different shows, including the often- comical "Blind Date."

He was seen romancing a lovely lady over dinner and drinks. Their thoughts appear in bubbles over their heads.

Mayor Hill said appearing on the reality shows has nothing to do with his political career.

"It was just a fun thing," he told Early Show co-anchor Hannah Storm. "You know, in Redondo Beach we have a lot of producers, writers directors and at a weak moment I got talked into doing one of those things."

Surprisingly, the response from his constituency has been positive, he noted.

"It's kind of funny. I really didn't realize how many people actually watch television - I should know this and really pay attention to these things - But the reaction was I would say 95 percent positive," Hill said.

He underscored the fact that he did not pursue this foray into TV. "I was recruited," he said. "I didn't seek them out. I had some stipulations. Like no hot tub scenes and that sort of thing," he said.

He also appeared on "Meet My Folks," a takeoff of the hit movie "Meet My Folks." In this case, adult children are the gatekeepers to a date with their mother. Via hidden cameras, the adult children watch as the mayor's dates with includes a visit to a day spa where the couple shared a mud smearing and make-out session.

Some people have criticized this for being a little bit too undignified for a mayor. The mayor said he would not argue that point.

"I do want people to understand that sure, I'm a mayor and I take my mayor's job very seriously," he said.

"This is not my personal life on TV. It's just a fun thing. It's funny how they watch these shows and they immediately assume that that is reality. I think the fact of the matter is, there's nothing real about reality TV. I mean it is staged. It's set up. And it's entertainment. And that's all it is."

When asked if he is concerned this might come back and haunt him at some point, he said it is a possibility he is not going to worry about.

"I'm pretty much what-you-see-is-what-you-get. I even said that in one of the segments. I'm not a stuffy politician. I hope people understand that I'm a real person like everybody else. But, it's all in good fun.

"I mean, you know," he added, "there are a lot of real serious things that we need to concern ourselves with. And it's good that, I think, people now and then should have a sense of humor and lighten up and enjoy it for what it is, purely entertainment."

At the very least, he has gotten a lot of publicity. Even Storm asked him tongue-in-cheek if he would want to go out with her mom.

To that, his eyes brightened as he asked, "Is your mom available?"