I think the 140k is from a certain category when Congressmen file their financial statements -- sounds like Santorum's investments were in a range from $XX-$140k. I'm guessing this is only stocks, bonds, etc, and doesn't include real estate, at least not residences, which is where it seems most of their assets are tied up, and also may not include retirement savings in certain categories?
You walk up to any bank, with an unencumbered or low encumbered 1mm to 1.5MM home and say, I want to take out a 500k 5 year mtg... and I don't care what their "OFFICIAL" stated policy is.. you are going to get that loan. 70% or less of fair market value total encumberance is an absolute no brainer for any bank to issue.
Now I don't know the exact details, there might be some quid pro quo going on here, but based on "estimated cash" and no mention of the houses market value or current encumberance by a left leaning paper in Philly is not something I'm going to go ape poop over. I'd want to find out more..
If he bought the house for 650k many years ago, its very concievable its worth well over 1MM in the DC area market today. Also, his original mortgage was only 400k, and who knows what balance that is at now.. or if he used the 500k to pay that one off....
I think assuming quid pro quo based on this story is jumping the gun.... there is nothing here that screams corruption, at least not that I can see.