Two Tennessee politicians rank among Congress' wealthiest

photo U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., speaks to reporters during an editorial board meeting in the Chattanooga Times Free Press newsroom in this file photo.

VIDEO

This story is featured in today's TimesFreePress newscast.

The Hill newspaper, which covers Capitol Hill events, released its 2012 list of the richest members in Congress. Two Tennessee politicians rank among the wealthiest of America's 535 federal legislators.

Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., who served as Chattanooga's mayor from 2001-05, ranks as the 22nd-wealthiest member of Congress with $16.7 million in assets. Corker made his money in Chattanooga real estate and rental properties and construction.

Corker is down nearly $3 million from last year due to a UBS Bank account losing its value, according to The Hill.

Rep. Diane Black, R-Tenn., is doing considerably better with $25 million in assets, ranking 13th among her peers. The Nashville native earned her wealth through real estate and investments in companies like eBay, Google and PepsiCo.

The unquestioned leader in congressional wealth is Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., whose $355.4 million in investment funds is more than triple the $101.9 million worth of Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, who ranks second.

Upcoming Events