How important is appearance in political races? In New Jersey, we have three viable candidates for Governor. Currently, according to the polls, Chris Christie holds a slight lead. But he is also “slightly overweight.” Jon Corzine, the incumbent Governor, is balding and always looks unkempt, but he is slim. The other candidate, Chris Daggett, is the only candidate that has more of a Hollywood appeal, but he is trailing in the polls.

Corzine has been accused of using Christie’s weight as a talking point when he referred to Christie as “throwing his weight around” to get out of parking violations. Christie, who previously ignored such weight comments, has now began to discuss his long time struggle with weight gain. While he has not disclosed what methods he has tried to lose weight, I am sure that this will resonate with many voters who have tried everything from weight loss pills to fad diets to unsuccessfully lose weight.

According to polls, 19 percent say that they are less likely to vote for Christie because of his weight (and they are probably all voting for Corzine), while 78 percent say it makes absolutely no difference.