Stories about how much members of Congress are worth are always good for a chuckle, because they are based on reports that only report a wide range of assets, not a set dollar amount. So estimates are often far off. But this one wins the prize:
Rep. Tom Petri, R-Fond du Lac, is the wealthiest of the Wisconsin delegation, with a net worth of $28.1 million, followed by Sen. Ron Johnson, of Oshkosh, with $22.9 million.
The study assigns Sen. Herb Kohl a negative net worth, with a debt of $18.5 million.
Before I could organize a rent party for him, USA Today, where the story originated, did an update,with this advisory:
Editor's note: Some figures have been changed because of errors in the database provided by the Center for Responsive Politics
In the new list, Kohl is the fifth richest member of Congress with an estimated net worth of $173-million -- still way off, undoubtedly. (The Bucks alone are valued at $258-million.)