Aaron Schock Resigning Amid Public Scandals
Rep. Aaron Schock, the 33-year-old Illinois congressman who was once a rising star in the GOP, is resigning after his ethics came under fire for his use of taxpayer money.
The announcement came Tuesday that he would vacate his seat on March 31, 2015. He is accused of using taxpayer money to fund lavish trips and events but it appeared he had weathered the storm last month when he pledged to repay the $100,000 tab. However, Schock was quickly tangled up in another scandal when one of his senior advisers racially charged tweets were discovered.
Schock said in a statement, “I do this with a heavy heart. Serving the people of the 18th District is the highest and greatest honor I have had in my life. I thank them for their faith in electing me and letting me represent their interests in Washington. I have given them my all over the last six years. I have traveled to all corners of the District to meet with the people I’ve been fortunate to be able to call my friends and neighbors.”
“But 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,” he added.
“I have always sought to do what’s best for my constituents and I thank them for the opportunity to serve.”
USA Today has reported that Schock spent almost $80,000 of federal money on furniture in 2009, however, no official ethics investigation has been launched into Schock’s spending habits since he took office.
