ProPublica published an article today about justice Clarence Thomas privately pushing for a higher salary and to allow Supreme Court justices to take speaking fees around 2000. Thomas was heading home on a flight after giving a speech at an off-the-record conservative conference and found himself seated next to a Republican member of Congress. The two men talked, and the lawmaker left the conversation worried that Thomas might resign from the high court because of financial pressures.

Shortly after their conversation, Thomas and his wife Ginni were the recipients of a considerable number of expensive favors, debt forgiveness, and luxury vacations.

The full details of Thomas’ finances over the years remain unclear. He made at least two big purchases around the early ’90s: a Corvette and a house in the Virginia suburbs on 5 acres of land. When Thomas and his wife, Ginni, bought the home for $522,000 a year after he joined the court, they borrowed all but $8,000, less than 2% of the purchase price, property records show.

Public records suggest a degree of financial strain. Throughout the first decade of his tenure, the couple regularly borrowed more money, including a $100,000 credit line on their house and a consumer loan of up to $50,000.

Anyone here get a mortgage in the early 90s? I'm going to guess that a 2% down payment was not customary back then. Anyone?

propublica.org - Clarence thomas money complaints sparked resignation fears scotus