Vern Buchanan among richest members of Congress

Among Roll Call‘s list of the 50 richest members of Congress: Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota. With estimated assets of $77 million (and liabilities around $26 million), Buchanan lands at No. 10 on the list. #

In 2009, he took the No. 7 spot on the list, with a net worth of around $50 million. #

Buchanan’s millions could serve him well in the upcoming Senate race which he hasn’t ruled out running in. The congressman has been shrouded in controversy lately due to allegations stemming from his 2006 and 2008 campaigns. #

A former business partner told The Florida Independent that Buchanan knowingly reimbursed those who donated to his campaigns with money from his car dealership — a violation of FEC rules. Buchanan maintains his innocence. Recently, two former employees also came forward, claiming that he pressured them to donate to his campaigns and later reimbursed them with dealership funds. #