With all due respect, you live in a fantasy world about how publishing is done. However, I agree that public figures, especially on the right, cannot just take for granted that publications will be fair or kind, and should always use an agent and a contract approval clause for a portrait. It won't stop the widespread use of unflattering candids in the public domain, however.
With all due respect...who cares? The news-rag business is all but dead. Screw those RAT magazines, my last comment was take it or leave it....no photo.
If "the press" can sue websites for reproducing their articles without permission, then individuals should also be able to sue for unauthorized use of the "intellectual property" of their images.