Half The Members Of Congress Are Millionaires – Elite Rulers Out Of Touch With Reality

Leaders Out Of Touch With Economic Reality

Politico reports that almost half the members of Congress are millionaires compared to just 1% of the subject population that they rule.   Could this be one of the reasons why the Washington elite is so out of touch with the concerns of the average American?

The economy and pocket book issues are the main concerns of the electorate, regardless of whether they are currently employed or not.   The unemployed see their ship sinking rapidly and those still employed are seeing their standard of living decaying at an alarming rate.   While the average down on his luck American is worried about basic daily issues, the elite rulers of Washington are busily engaged on planetary quests to reduce carbon emissions and tell other nations how to conduct their affairs.    The recent election results prove that voters believe that their basic concerns are not even on the “to do” list of the Washington elite.

Among the highlights: Two-hundred-and-thirty-seven members of Congress are millionaires. That’s 44 percent of the body – compared to about 1 percent of Americans overall.

CRP says California Republican Rep. Darrell Issa is the richest lawmaker on Capitol Hill, with a net worth estimated at about $251 million. Next in line: Rep. Jane Harman (D-Calif.), worth about $244.7 million; Sen. Herb Kohl (D-Wis.), worth about $214.5 million; Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), worth about $209.7 million; and Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.), worth about $208.8 million.

All told, at least seven lawmakers have net worths greater than $100 million, according to the Center’s 2008 figures.

“Many Americans probably have a sense that members of Congress aren’t hurting, even if their government salary alone is in the six figures, much more than most Americans make,” said CRP spokesman Dave Levinthal.