Remember, it's an effective rate. That means after write-offs, deductions, etc.
I know, but.....97%? 15% isn't very high at all. I'm pretty sure my parents have paid more than that for like 2 decades, and they're definitely not rich. Having more investment income than earned income doesn't even help this, because it'll draw you closer to 15% but won't get you under it. I dunno.
Either way, I wouldn't have been surprised at all if it was 80% or even 90%. And it probably won't hurt Romney much, because people are well aware that they pay a lower rate than him.
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Congratulations to SuperNiceDog, Guru Winner, who was smart enough to pick
your 7 time champion, Link.