The wealthiest Senator, John Kerry

The wealthiest Congressman, Darrell Issa

This link at Ballot Pedia shows the net worth of our congressmen. Some worthy notes:

The average net worth of a Senator is $13,224,333.

Of the ten wealthiest senators, the top seven are Democrats.

The average net worth for a Democratic Senator is $19,388,524, the average for a GOP Senator is $7,054,258.

In the House six are worth more than $100 million. The top two are Republican: Darrell Issa and Michael McCaul (worth $448 million and $380 million). the average net worth of a Republican in the House is more than the Democrats: $7,561,133 vs $4,465,875. This likely due to the effect of the enormous wealth of Republicans Issa and McCaul.

Of the nine Congressmen worth more than $100 million, 6 are Democrats but the two wealthiest are Republicans.

While this wealth is worth noting, especially as the Democrats claim to be the party of the 99%, I am less concerned about the very wealthy who have chosen elected office than I am am about those who have MADE their fortunes WHILE in elected office.

Perhaps this is a by product of the monumental expense of running a campaign. Only the independently wealthy can afford to take the time for political office.

While so much is made of the release of tax returns from candidates; I would find it far more useful for a full disclosure of sources of income for those in elected office.

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