Following a wave of questions over lavish spending and financial impropriety, including new allegations this week about major inconsistencies with his congressional and campaign expense reports, Rep. Aaron Schock (R-Illinois) issued a statement on Tuesday saying he will resign from the U.S. Congress effective March 31.
Schock, who quickly rose to prominence within the GOP for his ability to raise money for the party, was highlighted in series of media stories earlier this year after it it came to light that his congressional office had been re-decorated in the style of the aristocratic manor featured in the popular PBS series ‘Downton Abbey.’ Following the publicity around the lavish $40,000 renovation, it was learned the decorator was not, in fact, paid for the project – a revelation that prompted an ethics complaint and seemed a clear violation of congressional rules.
According to Politico, Shock’s resignation announcement on Tuesday, comes less than 12 hours after the newspaper raised new “questions about tens of thousands of dollars in mileage reimbursements” Schock had received for his personal vehicle:
In his resignation statement, released to Politico, Schock said he will leave office with “a heavy heart” but that “the constant questions over the last six weeks have proven a great distraction that has made it too difficult for me to serve the people of the 18th District with the high standards that they deserve and which I have set for myself.”
As the Huffington Post chronicles, Schock has become much more notable for his lavish spending than “the high standards” to which he might also subscribe:
Schock’s documented exploits and spending habits led journalist Michael Winship, lead writer for BillMoyers.com, to pen an expansive op-ed which explored how the culture of big money in Washington, D.C. has made life “awesome” for lawmakers like Schock who not only spend big, but raise big. In February, Winship wrote, Schock’s lifestyle isn’t just about spending money, it’s also “about raising money for his party and fellow Republican members – and to pull in that kind of cash perceived wisdom says you have to spend a bundle to attract it. That translates into lots of trips, expensive meals, private jets and time in lavish hotels and resorts. It’s a burden but someone has to do it.”
Winship continued:
Now, it seems, Schock will be climbing down instead of up. And, it goes without saying, someone is going to love their new office.