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Economy Wallops Lawmakers' Fortunes

Combined, members of Congress sough off hundreds of millions

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 14, 2009 6:16 PM CDT

(Newser) – The 50 richest members of Congress are still rich, but their personal finances show they’re not immune to the economic downturn, Roll Call reports. Together, the pols on the list have lost $275 million in personal wealth since 2007. In 2008, the legislators' combined assets of $1.3 billion fall well short of the $1.5 billion total just a year earlier. The top 5:

  1. John Kerry: The Massachusetts senator has lost $64 million over the past year. But Kerry and his wife, ketchup heiress Teresa Heinz Kerry, could still be worth $1 billion.


  1. Darrell Issa: The California congressman's net worth actually grew, thanks to investments in car electronics and real estate, and now totals $164.7 million.
  2. Jane Harman: The California Democrat took a hit by way of her husband's audio company and now has $112.13 million.
  3. Jay Rockefeller: The West Virginia senator saw few ups and downs; he maintained his $80.45 million fortune.
  4. Mark Warner: The wealthiest freshman senator took a hit of $30 million but is still more than comfortable, with $72.37 million on the books.
For the full list, click the link below.

Senate Banking Committee member Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va.
Senate Banking Committee member Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va.   (AP Photo)
Sen. John Kerry.
Sen. John Kerry.   (AP Photo)
House Oversight and Government Reform Committee members Rep. John Mica, R-Fla, left, and Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif.
House Oversight and Government Reform Committee members Rep. John Mica, R-Fla, left, and Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif.   (AP Photo)
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chairman Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va.
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chairman Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va.   (AP Photo)
Rep. Jane Harman, D-Calif.
Rep. Jane Harman, D-Calif.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 12 comments
hybrid
Sep 15, 2009 6:00 AM CDT
waaaa im sad about stuff waaaa
Mad
Sep 15, 2009 4:35 AM CDT
If by "sometimes you just got to toss a quarter" you mean 'sometimes you just gotta hold your nose' when you vote, then I agree
emptycalm
Sep 15, 2009 3:03 AM CDT
On this we agree 100%.
 

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