Vulnerable lawmakers also among wealthiest

Eleven of 19 members of Congress seen as among the most vulnerable this election cycle are millionaires.

Many of the congressional lawmakers who could be most at risk of losing their seats in 2016 have sizable nest eggs to fall back on if the election does not go their way.

In fact, 11 of 19 members of Congress seen as among the most vulnerable this election cycle are millionaires, and six of them are worth at least $5 million.

{mosads}These are the five richest lawmakers in that category:

1. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) tops the list of wealthy members who could be in jeopardy next fall, reporting a minimum net worth of $13.35 million in 2014, according to his financial disclosure form.

He will be facing a challenge from Democrat Russ Feingold, whom Johnson defeated in 2010, and polling from earlier this year indicated that Feingold — who most recently served as a State Department envoy to Africa — is seen as having a shot at getting his old job back.

Johnson lists two assets valued between $5 million and $25 million each — a money market account and ownership of commercial rental properties in Wisconsin. While the senator has no personal liabilities, the disclosure shows that his campaign still owes him $500,000.

2. Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) has a minimum net worth of $8.05 million, primarily consisting of mutual funds and municipal securities. He also lists owning at least $1 million in stock of Lebanon House Inc., an S-corporation with land and building interests in Ohio.

While the Democrats up against Portman confront a formidable opponent on the campaign trail, those watching the race say a battle with former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland (D) makes the outcome difficult to predict.

3. Rep. Rod Blum (R-Iowa), a freshman lawmaker worth at least $7.91 million, represents a district that teeters on being considered left-leaning. 

A vote to oust Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) from his leadership position has put him in the crosshairs of the GOP campaign committee, which may not support him in the competitive election next year. 

Blum’s financial disclosure shows many corporate investments and one bank account that contains between $1 million and $5 million in cash. In addition, his farm and home in Dubuque, Iowa, is worth at least $500,000. He has no liabilities.

4. Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Co.) has a minimum net worth of about $5.34 million and will be a major target for Republicans after they were able to take out Bennet’s home-state colleague, former Democratic Sen. Mark Udall, in 2014.

He has a diverse portfolio of investments that include stocks, mutual funds and real estate, such as a hotel in Lakewood, Colo. He has a money market account worth at least $1 million and a minimum of $1 million worth of stock in Regal Entertainment Group. 

Bennet has one liability: the mortgage on his personal residence, worth between $250,000 and $500,00.

5. Rep. Gwen Graham (Fla.), who became one of two Democrats to defeat an incumbent Republican during the last election cycle, is worth at least $5.1 million. GOP leaders are directing efforts at getting back the seat in Florida’s 2nd District.

Her largest investment — worth at least $5 million — is attributed to the Graham Companies, which was initially spearheaded by her grandfather. The company is also responsible for her largest liability, a “personal loan” worth anywhere from $250,000 and $500,000. Graham also has a mortgage worth at least $100,000.

Members of Congress are required to report their finances each year, and assets and liabilities are listed in wide ranges. The disclosures offer a window into what kinds of investments lawmakers favor and a snapshot of their debt. The forms also include gifts and trips provided by outside parties.