Berkley among “Capitol Hill’s wealthiest”

Rep. Shelley Berkley today made it onto a list compiled by The Hill newspaper of the 50 wealthiest members of Congress.

The Nevada Democrat was ranked 45th, with assets estimated at a minimum $6.3 million in 2009. That's an increase of $300,000 from the previous year.

The Hill noted much of Berkley's wealth derives from her husband, Dr. Larry Lehrner, a kidney specialist whose wide-ranging investments included the purchase of several medical buildings in Nevada and Ohio last year.

Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., was the richest lawmaker, and another whose fortunes come from a spouse, Teresa Heinz Kerry, the widow of condiment heir and former Sen. John Heinz, R-Pa. Kerry's wealth was at a minimum $188.6 million as of the end of 2009, up more than $20 million from 2008. 

In fact, the Hill found that the wealthiest members grew richer in 2009 even as the economy continued to struggle.  Reasons include the stock market rebound and also that many lawmakers shed debt during the year.