Report: Buchanan is 7th richest member of Congress

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota, is the seventh wealthiest member of Congress, according to a report from a watchdog group that monitors politicians' finance.

Determining the net worth of members of Congress is not an exact science, as they are required only to report the value of their holdings and liabilities in ranges. The minimum value of Buchanan's holdings was minus $69.4 million and the maximum value was almost $366.2 million, for an average of almost $148.4 million, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, which examined disclosure forms filed in 2009.

That's up almost 4.2 percent, from Buchanan's average net worth of more than $142.4 million in 2008.

In 2009, CRP said Buchanan reported 489 assets worth a total of between $87.3 million and almost $366.2 million; and 18 liabilities worth a total of between more than $31.8 million and almost $156.8 million.

Buchanan reported that several of his holdings are worth as much as $25 million, including his Sarasota Ford auto dealership and a house in Aspen, Colo. His liabilities include a line of credit with SunTrust bank on which Buchanan owes as much as $25 million.

Buchanan is one of eight representatives and senators with an estimated net worth of at least $100 million. At the top of the list is Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., at almost $303.6 million.

Get the details on Buchanan's holdings, here.