Not that this should be a criterion, but she is a LOT easier on the eyes. (Karen Williams over Harriet Meirs.)
Ya know, I hate to say this, but I think I trust attactive women in politics more. Think about it:
Ugly: Feinstein, Boxer, Murkowski, Zoe Lofgren, Rosa DeLauro, Gov. Ruth Ann Minner, Corrine Brown, Cynthia McKinney, Olympia Snowe, Mary Landrieu, Kathleen Blanco, Sue Collins, Debbie Stabenow, Ruth Ginsburg, O'Connor, Clinton, Nita Lowey, Tammy Baldwin
Not so ugly: Mary Bono, Susan Davis (moderate Dem.), Katherine Harris (seriously... she's a babe in one picture in jeans and with a horse!), Ann Northup, Jo Ann Emerson, Sue Myrick, Melissa Hart, Marsha Blackburn, Kay Hutchinson,
Exceptions: Decent-looking liberals: Granholm, Herseth
Too old to tell: Dole, Deborah Pryce.
Let's not even mention media people! (Michelle Malkin, ED Hill, Ann Coulter, Paula Zahn, etc. vs. Maggie Colson, Connie Chung, etc.)
You mean... hydration-challenged?