by Al Terego

Senator John ‘Defender of the Common Man’ Kerry is by far the wealthiest member of the United States Senate, according to Roll Call magazine, exceeding even Senator Jon ‘I Bought New Jersey’ Corzine, and Senator Herb ‘Big Cheese’ Kohl. Poor Senator Jay Rockefeller rates only fourth on this list of Democratic commoners. And Ted Kennedy? He’s a lowly tenth on the big bucks list, roughly tied with John ‘Sue ‘Em All’ Edwards. Despite its reputation, the Democratic party continues to be the party of wealth, privilege and power, with the four wealthiest Senators among its ranks, and eight of the top 11.

In defense of Senator Kerry, it can be said that at least he didn’t earn it. He inherited a fortune, of course, but his principal route to the very top has been the more ‘clever’ strategy of marrying into money: twice.

The Review editors thought you might be interested in seeing just a few of the homes the distinguished senator shares with his wife, Teresa Heinz Kerry. So from now until October, each month we’ll share another of these modest digs with you. Enjoy.

–From the April 2004 Austin Review