The Charlotte Observer
Saturday, October 14, 2006
www.charlotte.com

Jim Morrill

Two from N.C. among richest in government

Here's a quiz:

Which member of Congress and the administration is worth the most?

a) Jay Rockefeller
b) Ted Kennedy
c) Dick Cheney
d) Robin Hayes

If you answered `d,' you know your politics. Or else you've been looking at a new compilation of personal financial disclosures by the Washington-based Center for Responsive Politics.

The center ranked lawmakers and administration officials based on 2005 financial disclosure reports that list their net worth as a range.

Hayes has a net worth of $92 million to $181 million. That makes the Concord Republican the third-wealthiest member of the House and sixth wealthiest in Washington. (Topping the list: Sen. Herb Kohl, D-Wis., who's worth up to $284 million.)

Also among the richest: Republican Rep. Charles Taylor of Brevard. With a net worth between $56 million and $77 million, he ranks 10th in Washington (and fourth in the House) -- right after Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld.

For other rankings, visit www.opensecrets.org and click on "Personal Finances."