Council hopeful publishes nude photographs during election campaign

ERIC Jon Schmidt told his electorate he wanted to run a “transparent” election campaign. It turns out he really meant it.

A POLITICAL candidate has taken the unusual step of sharing his own explicit nudes in a bid to run a “100 per cent transparent” campaign.

Eric Jon Schmidt, who is gay, is hoping to nab a spot on West Hollywood City Council.

Around 40 per cent of the community’s population also identifies as gay.

The US man shared the material via the racy DudesNude.com website, where he has uploaded 23 photos of himself under the user name Need2BNude.

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In the photos Mr Schmidt is completely naked and often pictured engaging in sexual acts.

He has also uploaded six videos of himself having sex.

Mr Schmidt, who is in an open relationship with his long-term partner Jack, described himself on the site as “an average, down-to-earth, guy-next-door type” but that he was also “a horny little sexhibitionist”.

In an interview with WeHoVille, Mr Schmidt defended his unusual campaign.

“I am 100 per cent transparent. I have nothing but good intentions and I am not running against anyone, just their seats,” he said.

A cropped photo of one of the many photos of Eric Jon Schmidt on DudesNude.com.

“I have nothing negative to say about the others and never will. I do not think it [the photos] will hurt my campaign any more than it would a candidate’s stamp collecting hobby.

“My hobbies do not affect any other part of my life … I do think it will help my campaign for people who believe the human body is art. Plus it shows that I believe in transparency and I’m not afraid to express myself.”

He said he was passionate about “improving public safety, expanding programs that serve low income and disabled seniors, a more positive approach to the city’s Eastside and ensuring that the compensation of city employees is in line with that of similar municipalities”.

Mr Schmidt also described himself as “avid volunteer” and an “advocate for the disabled”.

He has served in the US army in the past and he has also worked as a celebrity fitness trainer.

The election will be held in March 2019.

Mr Schmidt is one of four challengers, with three seats up for grabs.

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