Real World Congressman 'struggling'

By Sarah Muller

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Wed Mar 30, 2011 6:06 PM EDT

Susan Walsh/AP

House Speaker John Boehner poses with Rep. Sean Duffy and his family on Jan. 5 in Washington.

Now we're seeing what happens when you're picked to live in a House, and people stopped being polite. Things are getting real for freshmen Rep. Sean Duffy of Wisconsin. In a recent speech, the former MTV Real Word Boston cast member complained about his $174K salary — roughly three times what the average Wisconsin voter makes in a year.
The GOP wants video of his speech removed from the Internet. (TPM still has a clip). Since his paychecks come from tax-payer funds, Democrats have been quick to jump on his comments.
It all started when he was asked whether or not he would cut his own salary. Duffy said yes, but only if there was a widespread plan slashing salaries for all public employees. Then, the Republican described his personal money woes as a U.S. Congressman:

I can guarantee you, or most of you, I guarantee that I have more debt than all of you. With 6 kids, I still pay off my student loans. I still pay my mortgage. I drive a used minivan. If you think I'm living high on the hog, I've got one paycheck. So I struggle to meet my bills right now. Would it be easier for me if I get more paychecks? Maybe, but at this point I'm not living high on the hog.

Used minivan? He’s slumming it.
Duffy probably doesn’t have anything to worry about. Even if there is a full on government shutdown, members of Congress will still likely get paid.