Though some Democrats were concerned about the image of their wealthy candidate frolicking among the fabulously wealthy here on an island where the average home sells for $1.4 million, Mr. Kerry insisted not only on coming, but also on trying to kite-surf, a dangerous combination of waterskiing and parasailing with basic equipment costing about $2,500....

It was ... a sharp contrast to President Bush's frequent brush-clearing forays on his sweltering ranch in Crawford, Tex.

--Jodi Wilgoren, "A Few Obstacles Don't Keep Kerry From Seaside Break," New York Times, 6/21/04

A $14,000 shotgun, a $2,700 mountain bike, and five fishing rods were among the $26,346 in gifts President Bush accepted last year, according to his financial disclosure form released yesterday, which also listed millions of dollars the president has invested in US Treasury notes and certificates of deposit.

...The disclosure, for example, said Bush's 1,583-acre ranch was worth between $1 million and $5 million. The president reported having at least $4.95 million in Treasury notes, $750,000 in certificates of deposits, and $217,000 in checking and money market accounts.

--Deb Reichmann, "Present and Accounted For -- Bush, Cheney List Gifts," AP (via The Boston Globe) today