40 millionaires in US Senate (Kerry is the wealthiest)

[IndianaGreen]

40 millionaires in US Senate
By Jeremy Johnson
7 July 2003

At least 40 of the 100 US senators are millionaires, some many times over, according to financial disclosure filings submitted last month. Republicans on the list outnumbered Democrats by a narrow margin of 22 to 18. However, Democratic senators hold the top five spots on the list and eight of the top ten, according to an analysis of the forms by CNN.

These latest financial disclosures underscore the widening gap between the average American and those who claim to represent them in government. Even those congressmen who report a relatively modest net worth are pulling down a salary of $154,700, with leadership positions paying $171,900 annually.

Heading the list is the Massachusetts Democrat and presidential candidate John Kerry, with an estimated net worth of between $164 million and $211 million. He reports holdings in 75 mutual funds, along with two held jointly with his wife, Teresa Heinz Kerry, heiress to the Heinz food company fortune. Assets that she owns independently, which other sources estimate at hundreds of millions more, are not required to be included.

<snip>

Two other Democratic candidates for the presidency are high on the list. At ninth, North Carolina’s John Edwards reported a net worth ranging from $12.8 million to $60 million; at twelfth, Florida’s Bob Graham reported a range of from $7.7 million to $31.6 million. Before turning politician, Edwards made millions as a trial lawyer who won some of the largest jury awards in the history of North Carolina. Graham and his brothers developed family farmland near Miami Lakes into valuable suburban real estate.

http://www.wsws.org/articles/2003/jul2003/sen-j07.shtml

[Shaddann]

1. I think it's his wife who has the money

and since she can't "donate" or "give" it to him for campaign funds, according to the FEC, they seem to agree.

[Aaron]

2. So did he included her money in his response?

Re: Heinz from the article - "Assets that she owns independently, which other sources estimate at hundreds of millions more, are not required to be included."

I'm not clear if what he listed is his, hers, or theirs. Any insight?

[Scurrilous]

3. Graham the developer.

http://www.miamilakes.com/about.asp

<snip>


" Established by brothers Phil, Bill, and Senator Bob Graham, the Graham Companies are responsible for single-handedly envisioning, planning, and developing Miami Lakes on what was once their family's dairy land. Today, as the town's largest landowner, the Graham Companies play a significant role in guiding and shaping the community they built and continue to call home."

As a 35 year resident of Miami Lakes, I must say that Bob Graham and his brothers are damn fine land developers. Miami Lakes is a great place to live and work. He deserves every penny of that $7.7 to $31.6 million estimated net worth.

[lkinsale]

5. I'm glad to hear this from the (umm...dairy cow's?) mouth

Very interesting to hear from a resident of his developed property. I've wondered about that part of his background. My family has a large farm that is being slowly swallowed by suburban development, and eventually we won't be able to hold out any longer. It brings tears to my eyes to think that it will ever be developed, but I'd like think maybe when it happens, it can be done with some sensitivity to what was once there and all the love, sweat and tears that have gone into that land. Instead of just bulldozed and paved over with the most houses per acre possible.

I have to say, I have yet to hear anything negative about Bob Graham. I'm beginnong to wonder if I'm dreaming or something. ;)

[LiberalLibra]

4. At least this is proof that not all of the rich are neo cons....

...some of the rich indeed have brains.

[swinney]

6. John Kerry wife's Wealth--A MYTH?

JOHN HEINZ SAID PUBLICLY "MY WEALTH IS OVERSTATED, I AM WORTH BETWEEN 30-40 MILLION".

When they speak of Heinz' wealth they love to throw in the HEINZ Foundation.

John Heinz stated it was not his wealth. He could not touch any of it for personal use.