The combined minimum net worth of Congress jumped — up more than $150 million to $2.1 billion

[lookatme]

Our analysis also found at least 188 millionaires — about a third of Congress — up from 185 the previous year


http://blogs.rollcall.com/hill-blotter/wealth-of-congress-jumps-150-million-50-richest/?dcz=

[olddots]

1. this is why people go into politics

and it is the exact opposite reason a democracy will survive .

[Egnever]

4. I think it is more of a tale of how expensive politics have become.

It is much easier for a wealthy person to run.

[Fumesucker]

2. There's really only two words that fit this magnificent act of statesmanship

[tuhaybey]

3. Not as crazy as it sounds

The $150 gain was all one guy, whose wife if the heir to Clear Channel.

Note that just the 10 richest members are more than half of the total also.

Also, note that being a "millionaire" doesn't mean what it used to. Many of them are in their 70s and older. Being a "millionaire" by the time you're in your 70s basically means that you bought a modest house 50 years ago in a city and paid off the mortgage.

So, yes, it is a problem that so many legislators are wealthy. It is too big of an advantage in getting elected. But, it isn't like just being a legislator makes you rich. There are still quite a few in the House who are basically broke.

[Luminous Animal]

5. hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!