The Richest Members of Congress

It’s been a tough year for most of us, but the richest in Congress, it seems, have only gotten richer: This year’s 50 wealthiest members are worth a collective $200 million more than last year’s, the Hill notes. Among them:

• With a minimum net worth of $287 million, Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, knocked John Kerry out of the top spot this year, leading the rest of Congress by tens of millions. McCaul’s wealth comes largely from his family; his father-in-law founded Clear Channel Communications.

• Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., comes in at No. 2 with $220.4 million, some $60 million higher than last year. He founded the top American car security system manufacturer and got a lift this year from his companies’ commercial properties.
• Former wealthiest guy in Congress, Massachusetts Democrat Kerry, saw his wealth climb $5 million in 2010; his net worth now stands at $193.3 million.
• Meanwhile, freshmen have done well for themselves. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a freshman Democrat, scored a spot in the top 10 with $54.9 million. Ten Tea Party freshmen also made the list.

Click through for the full list. (More Congress stories.)