Byron Dorgan was a “prairie populist,” his Senate colleague Tom Harkin told us open Dorgan’s retirement. Liberal writer David Sirota gave Dorgan the same label.
Dorgan’s wife Kimberly is a longtime lobbyist, currently running the lobby operation for the American Council of Life Insurers — which lobbies to protect the populist death tax that pads the profits of life insurance companies. And, of course, as soon as Sen. Dorgan retired, he joined a lobbying firm, too.
The Dorgans are staying in the house where they raised their kids — a 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath 3,800-square-foot home on a cul-de-sac in McLean, Va. But they’ve upgraded the home, and it’s beautiful enough that Home & Design Magazine did a tour of it. Some highlights of this Prairie Populist home:
Fabulous new finishes, from Costa Esmeralda granite countertops to a travertine backsplash, update the [kitchen] with style.
In the living room, which opens to the study, Staszak mingled diverse furnishings and fabrics, creating a surprisingly harmonious effect. Asian elements (bamboo-legged stools and a Chinoiserie print) contrast with French bergères, a sisal rug and pillows in a formal brocade….
One of the new investments is a Habersham secretaire in the study, paired with Dorgan’s chair from the Senate floor.
A soaking tub, marble floors and an oversized shower with a mosaic-tile wall create a pampering refuge.
Here’s the populist part of their $1.2 million home: contrasting their Habersham secretaire are many of their old pieces of furniture, just reupholstered.
