U.S. lawmakers from Virginia are worth millions

By Dale Eisman

WASHINGTON

The Hampton Roads congressional delegation is weathering the nation's economic downturn comfortably, according to financial disclosure reports released Monday.

Sens. John Warner, a Republican, and Jim Webb, a Democrat, and Rep. Thelma Drake, R-2nd District, are multimillionaires, the annual statements indicate. Reps. Rob Wittman, R-1st District, and Bobby Scott, D-3rd District, have more modest holdings, though Scott listed assets that could be worth nearly $1.6 million.

A report for Rep. Randy Forbes, R-4th District, was not immediately available.

The reports indicate that Webb, who made his living as a writer before he was elected in 2006, is profitably combining that talent with his work in the Senate.

Webb reported receiving an advance of $250,000 for "A Time to Fight," a book of political essays released last month, and disclosed an agreement with Broadway Books, his publisher, for a television program on Arlington National Cemetery.

Webb, who won the Navy Cross as a Marine lieutenant for actions during the Vietnam War, maintains a personal office near the cemetery and frequently walks its grounds.

Webb's reported holdings, including two homes in Northern Virginia, were valued at up to $9 million. The forms allow lawmakers to estimate the value of their real estate, stocks and other assets within ranges, so determining each member's exact worth is impossible.

Warner also reported holdings valued at up to $9 million. The Republican joined Webb in supplementing his $169,300 Senate salary through artistic pursuits. An amateur painter, Warner reported selling three paintings with a total value of between $3,000 and $45,000.

Drake, who was in the real estate business in Norfolk before she was elected to Congress in 2004, reported assets valued at $2.2 million to $4.9 million, much of it held jointly with her husband.

Wittman, elected late last year to fill the vacancy created by the death of Rep. Jo Ann Davis, reported assets worth up to $130,000. He earned about $92,000 last year as a field director for the state health department's Division of Shellfish Sanitation, a member of the House of Delegates and a director of Bay Banks of Virginia, his report indicated.

Dale Eisman, (703) 913-9872, dale.eisman@pilotonline.com