The exit polls did indicate it was a major factor in the votes of many.
There is no way to know 100% for sure, however...as you can’t go back in time to retest it without Sandy being there.
It is effing MIND-BOGGLING how fickle the average, moronic American voter is today. Something as superficial as an effing PHOTO OP sways the mental midgets who occupy over half our populace currently...
The level of pure, unadulterated, absurd, malevolent stupidity which permeates our culture is breathtaking...