McMorris Rodgers, Cantwell among millionaires in Congress

WASHINGTON -- The economy may be suffering, but members of Congress appear to be doing quite well, with nearly half of them ranking as millionaires, according to a study released Tuesday.

In Washington, Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell and Republican Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, are the wealthiest among the 249 current members of Congress who are millionaires.

That means 47 percent of the 535 members are millionaires. Only about 1 percent of Americans are millionaires.

Cantwell ranked 81st, with an average net worth estimated at $6.2 million, while McMorris Rodgers ranked 220th, with $1.3 million.

Freshman Republican Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, the youngest member of the state's delegation, was the poorest, with an average net worth estimated at $8,000, ranking 498th among all members.

Overall, Republican Rep. Darrell Issa of California ranked as the wealthiest member of Congress, with an average net worth of $448 million.

The study, done by the Center for Responsive Politics, ranked members by their average net worth, based on a review of financial disclosure forms filed in 2010.

"The vast majority of members of Congress are quite comfortable, financially, while many of their own constituents suffer from economic hardships," said Sheila Krumholz, the center's executive director.

Members of Congress report their assets and liabilities in broad ranges, making it impossible to determine their exact worth. For purposes of the study, the center determined a member's maximum net worth and minimum net worth and then ranked them by their average net worth.

Cantwell, for example, could be worth as much as $10.3 million or as little as $2 million, the study found.

The study found that 36 Senate Democrats and 30 Senate Republicans reported an average net worth in excess of $1 million last year. In the House, 110 Republicans and 73 Democrats were millionaires.

Here's how the rest of the Washington delegation ranked based on average net worth:

(257th) Republican Rep. Doc Hastings................... $962,000

(261st) Democratic Sen. Patty Murray.....................$916,500

(289th) Democratic Rep. Jim McDermott.................$767,800

(297th) Republican Rep. Dave Reichert..................$723,000

(300th) Democratic Rep. Norm Dicks.....................$706,000

(367th) Democratic Rep. Adam Smith.....................$407,500

(371st) Democratic Rep. Rick Larsen......................$390,500

(389th) Democratic Rep. Jay Inslee........................$323,500

-- Rob Hotakainen: 202-383-0009; rhotakainen@mcclatchydc.com

This story was originally published November 16, 2011 at 12:00 AM with the headline "McMorris Rodgers, Cantwell among millionaires in Congress."