Rep. Newcomer being sued

Back in February, I wrote about the financial problems of Rep. Scott Newcomer (R-Hartland), who along with his wife stopped making the mortgage payments on their former Elm Grove home last September after moving into a 1.5 million dollar lake home in Delafield. At that time, Rep. Newcomer was quoted by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel as having to deal with inflexible lenders unwilling to consider a short sale, and court records show in March, the foreclosure action was resolved with an unspecified compromise.

However, despite resolving his foreclosure, Rep. Newcomer is still facing serious financial problems, as American Express has filed a lawsuit against Rep. Newcomer and his pools business in Waukesha County court, stating Newcomer has failed to pay $35,015 in credit card debt. It’s worth noting the lawsuit was filed a month after an attorney for American Express’ interests is said to have warned Rep. Newcomer American Express would take him to court unless he resolved the delinquency.

What I’d like to know is how Rep. Newcomer and his wife, who happens to be a doctor, can afford a 1.5 million dollar house while at the same time being unable (or perhaps unwilling) to make the payments on his American Express bill.

Is Rep. Newcomer living beyond his means, or is he just unwilling to take care of his financial responsibilities?