More Democrats than Republicans Sit on 10 Richest Members of Congress List -- By Stephanie Wang, The Washington Free Beacon

While Republicans often get the reputation for being “the party of the rich,” seven of the 10 richest members of Congress are Democrats, according to the Center for Responsive Politics (CRP).

CRP compiled a list of the 10 richest members of Congress using 2012 personal finance disclosure information, the latest available.

These wealthy Democrats are not afraid to use their big bucks and high-powered connections to get ahead.
Here are the seven Democrats in the top 10 list:

Mark Warner

Mark Warner / AP

Mark Warner, the senior senator from Virginia, is the richest member of the Senate. CRP estimates his net worth at up to $418,742,000. Warner used his political connections to make his millions, according to the 2014 Almanac of American Politics.

Warner worked as a fundraiser at the Democratic National Convention after graduating from law school. While there, he made some crucial connections that would allow him to become a successful venture capitalist.

Warner served as chairman of the Virginia Democratic Party from 1993-1995. He was elected governor of Virginia in 2000.

Jared Polis

Jared Polis / AP

Jared Polis, who serves as representative to Colorado’s 2nd District, has a net worth of up to $326,099,998, according to CRP.

Polis made his fortune as an entrepreneur, launching popular sites such as electronic greeting card site bluemountainarts.com and fresh flower delivery site proflowers.com.

The retired florist (Polis still hands out business cards with that title) came to Washington in 2008 and is currently serving his third term.

Polis criticized the Citizens United case on the House floor in 2010, saying corporations are using their money to “confuse and trick people” with “massive and misleading public relations attacks.” He made no mention of how he uses his own money, Vincent Carroll of the Denver Post noted.

His political committee, for example, gave out more than $400,000 to other members of Congress and national campaign groups in 2010 alone.

 (Click link below to read more)
READ MORE Sphere: Related Content