By SETH HETTENA and ERICA WERNER, Associated Press Writers Thu Aug 4, 9:26 PM ET
SAN DIEGO - Even in a world that thrives on perks and friendly deals, Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham has stood out.
The California Republican and Vietnam War flying ace wasn't a wealthy man when he arrived on Capitol Hill in 1991, but in recent years he has lived like one. His home in Washington was a rent-free yacht provided by a defense contractor. In San Diego, he bought a mansion using the profits from a home sold to the same contractor.
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The former "Top Gun" flight instructor sold his home in the seaside community of Del Mar to Wade for a price that appears to have been inflated by about $700,000. He used the proceeds to move into a $2.55 million, seven-bath mansion in the exclusive San Diego County community of Rancho Santa Fe.
When in Washington, he lived rent-free on Wade's 42-foot yacht, the Duke-Stir, docked at the private Capital Yacht Club, paying only dock fees and maintenance.
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