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*** UPDATED x1 - No longer chastened *** “Chastened” Schock hit with yet another taxpayer-funded travel scandal

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* Schock and ten staffers at Manhattan’s Palace Hotel on the goverment’s dime. How delightful

Rep. Aaron Schock, R-Ill., took at least 10 of his House staffers on a $10,053 taxpayer-funded trip to New York last September, where most of them had few official duties, the Chicago Sun-Times has learned.

Schock was in New York for events on Sept. 27 and 28 connected to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the U.S. — and given the latitude House members have with their taxpayer allowances – not at issue is whether Schock personally conducted official business.

But a Sun-Times examination has revealed that most of the Schock staffers — who worked in Peoria or Washington — did almost no government work during their taxpayer-funded weekend in New York. […]

He did attend two events where Modi spoke, so some staff assistance is justifiable. Of the three other Illinois lawmakers who also traveled to New York to hear Modi speak, none brought staff with them for that speech.

Sheesh.

Go read the whole thing. There’s an interesting Caterpillar angle as well.

* Meanwhile

A chastened U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock said Friday that he had fallen short on how his office handled record-keeping, and personally on the “out of touch” perceptions he’s created of his travel, as he moved to try to contain a burgeoning scandal into his travel and expenses now in its second month.

At a hastily called outdoor news conference at his campaign office in Central Peoria, the fourth-term lawmaker announced he would be hiring third-party firms to handle his official congressional office spending records and campaign records moving forward. He also said he has hired an East Peoria-based CPA firm to review his office procedures to find other areas that might be falling short. […]

“I know that when I take a trip, and I post photos online, it can create the misimpression of being out of touch, or an image that is not worthy of my constituents,” he said. “I have tried to balance being a young congressman and doing things differently and more open with maintaining a level of seriousness on the issues of the day. I know some days I have failed at this.”

“I get the optics,” he said. “I get the fact that for a lot of people that seems out of touch and unnecessary. So without a doubt I’ll be thinking twice about using that [private charter flights] mode of transportation, and the result will be we’ll have to schedule accordingly and continue to do my best to get to as many places as possible.”

*** UPDATE *** Well, he’s no longer chastened

The Chicago Sun-Times reports Schock made the September trip for events connected to a U.S. visit by the Indian prime minister. But the newspaper says most Schock staffers did almost no government work there.

Schock told reporters Monday it was a “very legitimate trip” and that he was “honored” his staff could be there.

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 9:09 am

Comments

  1. At this point, I’m impressed at how coordinated this hit is. Every time he seems to even just block a punch, one more comes in.

    Of course, it couldn’t happen if he didn’t give The Them so much to work with…

    Comment by Arsenal Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 9:13 am

  2. “Death By 1000 Cuts” or “Death By $10,053 Taxpayer Funding Junket for Staff to NYC”. Your pick.

    Comment by Nick Naylor Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 9:15 am

  3. Not Staff’s fault?

    Hmm.

    ===Rep. Aaron Schock, R-Ill., took at least 10 of his House staffers on a $10,053 taxpayer-funded trip to New York last September, where most of them had few official duties….===

    Yep, a bunch of “yes” Staffers, enjoying the ride instead of protecting the boss.

    Pathetic.

    ===He (Schock) also said he has hired an East Peoria-based CPA firm to review his office procedures to find other areas that might be falling short.===

    You don’t hire a “firm” when you have soneobe on your Staff you actually trust, and…is more than willing to point out this obvious point…

    ===“I get the optics,” he said. “I get the fact that for a lot of people that seems out of touch and unnecessary. So without a doubt I’ll be thinking twice about using that [private charter flights] mode of transportation, and the result will be we’ll have to schedule accordingly and continue to do my best to get to as many places as possible.”===

    Staff failure. Big disappointment. Speaks volumes to how much “fun” it is to work for Congressman Schock, because protecting the boss, “that ain’t my job.”

    Yep. The Staff wears the jacket too.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 9:16 am

  4. It’s a bogus way for a Congressman to spend his / her office allowance. Why on earth does a legislator need to bring 10 staffers on a junket to NYC? I can understand the need to bring one or possibly two to such an event but 10?

    Comment by Stones Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 9:18 am

  5. It looks like extra senior staff and a law firm, and a PR firm, and an accounting firm, have all been hired. That could realistically cost half a mil per year. How much will that cost taxpayers?

    Comment by walker Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 9:25 am

  6. It looks like extra senior staff and a law firm, and a PR firm, and an accounting firm, have all been hired. That could realistically cost half a mil per year. How much will that cost taxpayers?

    Comment by walker Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 9:25 am

  7. It probably is a hit job, but like others have said, he is serving it up for them.

    He looks like the stereotype of the entitled lifelong politician, which he is even if he is a “young congressmen” it is pretty much all he has done except have a blast traveling the world for free (mostly). He needs to wise up soon.

    My question for the congressman (and I live in his district so I will ask him) why do you need a private firm to tell you what an acceptable expense is? He should know when he is really on government business and how many people you actually NEED to join you. Three other congressman brought a grand total of one staffer with them.

    On another note, I am not well versed on congressional staffing but it does not seem common to have a full-time photographer, am I missing something?

    Comment by JS Mill Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 9:32 am

  8. His answer to excess is to add more staff? There seems to be a subtext here that he doesn’t want to change but simply make it less likely to have repercussions from his behavior.

    Comment by relocated Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 9:35 am

  9. Hit job or not he has afforded anyone who wants to look closely, ample ammunition to sink his ship. His actions demonstrate how out of touch he is with his elected position, duties of the job, and what he owes his constituents. Goodbye.

    Comment by flea Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 9:42 am

  10. Whatever the motivation behind the deep dig, these are getting ugly.

    There’s no justification for a ten-peep taxpayer-funded entourage to go up the road to NYC to listen to a couple of speeches.

    He’s a Congressman, not Jay-Z.

    Obviously, Schock has terrible judgement and must be surrounded by sychophants who can’t or won’t say: “Boss, this is a bad idea.”

    Comment by Wordslinger Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 9:44 am

  11. Taxpayers don’t fund his legal team, that’s a campaign account.

    Kudos to Sweet on the scoop. Not many reporters would follow up on something like this.

    Not sure why there haven’t been calls for a resignation or why state democrats aren’t looking for a challenger. Pretty clear this isn’t a one time issue and that he has spent his time in DC basically living large.

    Comment by Shore Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 9:44 am

  12. He’s done the equivalent of forming a “blue ribbon panel” to look into his own spending. Yeah, nothing inspires confidence from the unwashed masses like saying you have a blue ribbon panel on the issue.

    “I get the optics,” he said.

    I’m not sure he does…yet.

    Comment by Illini97 Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 9:47 am

  13. Really paints a bad picture. If he can’t control and account for his office expenses, how do taxpayers entrust him with watching the dollars spent by the federal government on the multitude of federal programs?

    Comment by Tough Guy Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 9:47 am

  14. At what point does be officially cease being a “young Congressman?” This isn’t a Summer Camp for “young astronauts” or “gifted young musicians.” Time to grow up and starting like it.

    Comment by And I Approved This Message Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 9:48 am

  15. Willy - So let me get this straight. Schock puts a “photographer and videographer” on his staff and it’s somehow his responsibility (and others) to keep Schock in line? These people work for Schock not the other way around. When Schock decides that it’s time to party in New York it’s up to his staff to say bad idea? It seems pretty clear to me that Schock isn’t hiring staff with the expectation that they’ll help him toe the line, he wants and likely has a group that’s simply along for the party.

    We can question the motives behind these stories but it’s becoming increasingly clear that Schock wants to play by his own set of rules. The fact that he has to hire outside firms to tell him that this is wrong is as shocking as it is laughable.

    Comment by pundent Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 9:48 am

  16. Who is paying for this outside review? Hopefully taxpayers aren’t paying for cleaning up the mess they already paid for.

    Comment by Brexton Isaacs Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 9:50 am

  17. Good judgement would have precluded the need to overlook the “optics” problem, me lord.

    Comment by Anonymous Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 9:51 am

  18. I love the “I know it looks bad when I travel so much, so now I’m not going to post those photos anymore.” Did he graduate from the Rahm Emanuel school of apologizing for things you admit you’re going to keep doing anyway?

    Comment by Century Club Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 9:53 am

  19. Congressman Schock?

    You will need to create a virginal chase image, circa Goldwater 1964 - or you will not survive. Be Barry. Dress like Barry. Tell staff to become something out of Temple Square in SLC. Had you one of the charming Stepford-styled greeters found at any Mormon stake churches, or at any Disneyworld, you would have had no one interested in how you look.

    Dump the Target look. Dump the Chester Arthur meme. Go Shaker/Quaker/Amish/Post-Modern-1950s, classic square Republican.

    Think white short sleeve dress shirts. We have a military filled with young people who can make this work for you.

    Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 9:54 am

  20. ===These people work for Schock not the other way around. When Schock decides that it’s time to party in New York it’s up to his staff to say bad idea?===

    When you sign on to be part of a Crew, your #1 job is to make sure the boss is not putting themselves in jeopardy.

    The Chief of Staff, they make the final call. If not I’ve if his Crew thought to look out for Schock and/or the CoS ignores the obvious, this is absolutely a Schock fail as much as a Staff fail.

    If you are part of a Crew and you dibt go to the CoS and ask if any of this, in real-time was “ok”, then you are either an intern, or it’s really about what you can sponge off your boss befyre the jig is up.

    === It seems pretty clear to me that Schock isn’t hiring staff with the expectation that they’ll help him toe the line, he wants and likely has a group that’s simply along for the party.===

    Which is where I put the blame on Schock. Numerous times.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 9:55 am

  21. “The Chief of Staff, they make the final call. If not one member of his Crew thought to look out for Schock and/or the CoS ignores the obvious, this is absolutely a Schock fail as much as a Staff fail.”

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 9:57 am

  22. If the Sun times can find a new abuse every few days why cant he? He would be better off finding every case he knowingly cheated the system and get in front of it.

    Comment by Very Fed Up Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 10:02 am

  23. This wave gets big enough will he try to surf it?

    Comment by Toure's Latte Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 10:11 am

  24. This gets better everyday. It’s like he is trying to become some kind of reality TV star. His chief of staff has to fall on the sword first…

    Comment by Rudykzooti Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 10:20 am

  25. As long as he keeps saying things like we have “out of touch perceptions” and “misimpressions,” he’s saying it’s our problem not his. I beg to differ.

    Comment by Sir Reel Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 10:23 am

  26. sad. really sad. do not like his politics. but it is sad when anyone squanders an opportunity as a policy maker and leader because they want to have an everything is awesome good time. grow up.

    Comment by Amalia Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 10:26 am

  27. I still don’t understand what’s behind this laser focus somebody is putting on him right now. Why now? It’s obvious from everything that is coming out that this has been a pattern of behavior by the Congressman. This whole thing is just bizarre.

    Comment by Demoralized Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 10:29 am

  28. When Schock took over from Ray LaHood, he retained some of Ray’s staff–good people who knew the ropes and had a lot knowledge–in his Peoria office. It appears that a lot of those folks have left Schock the past couple of years to other jobs. Perhaps without those around him who could put a kibosh on this fraternity party crowd, the real Aaron Schock is emerging. Disappointment ensues from the local Republicans around my part of the district.

    It sure sounds like someone is getting this info out in a timely fashion to keep the waters roiling. Schock, however, has no one to blame but himself for handing out the fuel to the firebugs.

    Comment by Nearly Normal Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 10:30 am

  29. Is Schock a minor child who needs a guardian to establish propriety and manage financial affairs? He makes things worse every time he tries to stumble past this mess.

    Comment by Wensicia Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 10:34 am

  30. Isn’t this all a really plain example of the “waste, fraud and abuse” that Republicans constantly say is a prime driver of our governments’ overspending??

    Comment by Chris Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 10:49 am

  31. The sad truth is that, short of federal charges, he can continue to live this lifestyle on the taxpayer’s dime because he is in a safe Republican seat thanks to our horrible re-districting rules in Illinois.

    Comment by Pelonski Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 10:52 am

  32. Is Schock the Congressman from Peoria or President of the College of DuPage? I keep getting that confused…

    Comment by Jake From Elwood Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 11:04 am

  33. He needs to make a choice, playboy or Congressman. Lots and lots of eyes on him, some trying to help him out the door.

    The question is….what’s behind door number three?

    Comment by Sunshine Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 11:09 am

  34. “I get the optics,” Schock said. “Wait — you weren’t talking about my new $5,000 sunglasses, were you?”

    – MrJM

    Comment by MrJM Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 11:11 am

  35. Note to G-Men: If you are not already aware of this nonsense read up on it and get crackin’

    Comment by flea Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 11:14 am

  36. What else was going on in New York on Sept. 27 and 28? Prime Minister Modi is an interesting speaker and all, but I have a feeling that something more interesting was going on that explains the large entourage.

    Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 11:15 am

  37. == But a Sun-Times examination has revealed that most of the Schock staffers — who worked in Peoria or Washington — did almost no government work during their taxpayer-funded weekend in New York.==

    Almost no government work. The staffers are taking their cues from the boss.

    If you examine Schock’s record in Congress, there’s not much there to talk about. For instance in the 113th Congress he directly sponsored 21 bills. ZERO of his bills became law.

    Only two bills that he sponsored in the 113th passed the House, one to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of the archeological site and surrounding land of New Philadelphia and another to provide an additional religious exemption from the individual health coverage mandate. Neither made it through the Senate.

    He didn’t even get a resolution expressing support for designation of September 6, 2014, as “Everett McKinley Dirksen and Marigold Day” through the Republican controlled House, and Dirksen was a Republican.

    Congressman Schock cosponsored over 300 bills in the 113th but cosponsoring a bill doesn’t exactly require a lot of time at the library. Only one of the bills he cosponsored “To require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the centennial of Boys Town” became law.

    He’s also in the highest 30% in the House for missing roll call votes.

    So what exactly has he done for the 18th District? Not much. “I get the optics,” he said. Yeah he’s been caught and he’ll be more careful about Instagram from now on, but it looks to me that he’s pretty ineffective, has a questionable work ethic and is there to play.

    “I have tried to balance being a young congressman and doing things differently and more open with maintaining a level of seriousness on the issues of the day,” he said. Maintaining a level of seriousness on the issues of the day? Like the marigolds, the Katy Perry concert and hiring a fulltime personal photographer on our dime? I’m calling bullhokey.

    Comment by Sangamo Sam Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 11:17 am

  38. The Peoria TV report I saw mentioned hiring a PR firm. I realize he’s a national figure, but if this is on the taxpayers’ dime too, should we really be paying for promotion of Schock’s image?

    This is really about wise decision making. Of course, when congresscritters march in lockstep with their parties, are there really many decisions to be made?

    Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 11:18 am

  39. Some in the media questioned why the DCCC (Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee) involved itself recently in pushing anti-Schock stories, when he’s in a solid/safe Republican district. People keep wondering why and who is trying to bring Rep. Schock down.

    The dots aren’t really so hard to connect…Kirk . . . Rauner . . . Rahm.

    Consider this article from The Hill http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/senate-races/234419-kirk-backs-rahm-in-chicago-mayors-race

    Mark Kirk’s stroke and lengthy rehab have kept him out of the media spotlight for such an extended period that questioning his ability to withstand a possible primary challenge by say, an energetic, charismatic, fit, and much younger congressman would pose a very serious threat.

    Prior to the guv primary shadowy attacks where made against Schock when he was contemplating a run for statewide office. Fingers were pointed at Bruce Rauner’s camp - which was heavy with Kirk politicos.

    Now, Kirk has endorsed Rahm’s re-election, a well-played card which could help to limit the mayor’s assistance of a potential Duckworth senate bid. It could also be payback for any possible influence Rahm exerted on the DCCC to spend some money on Schock.

    Comment by Brendan Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 11:21 am

  40. At least nobody is talking about #gentrifynow anymore.

    Comment by LizPhairTax Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 11:29 am

  41. Characterizing this as “optics” is an insult. It suggests that it might appear to be wrong. This is wrong plain and simple. For Schock to blame this on the youthful indiscretion of a young congressman and his staff is an insult to everyone in his district and in particular those that have voted for him. I highly doubt that he ran on a platform of being a young inexperienced individual prone to do stupid things on the taxpayers dime.

    Comment by pundent Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 11:36 am

  42. “What else was going on in New York on Sept. 27 and 28?”

    Jay Z to headline free Global Citizen Festival on Sept. 27 in NYC; No Doubt, fun. to perform
    http://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/2014/07/09/jay-z-to-headline-free-global-citizen-festival-on-sept-27-in-nyc-no-doubt-fun/

    From Gawker: “According to [AP’s] Gillum and Braun, a Schock PAC called “GOP Generation Y” (young people love PACs) has billed itself over $24,000 in the last four-plus years for various concerts, including: $13,000 for various country music events, $4,700 to a ticket brokerage called SitClose.com, $3,000 to the organization that put on the Global Citizen Festival (headlined by Jay Z)…” http://gawker.com/ap-aaron-schock-used-donor-funds-for-private-flights-1687587659

    Free travel. Free stay. Free show. What a player!

    – MrJM

    Comment by MrJM Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 11:43 am

  43. To the Update, and the devastating links from Mr.JM:

    Holy Cow, kid, you’re not getting it.

    It might be time to lawyer up.

    Comment by Wordslinger Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 12:00 pm

  44. Wouldn’t it be interesting if Darin LaHood stepped forward and ran against Schock in the GOP Primary?

    Comment by Anonymous Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 12:02 pm

  45. He’s “honored” to have his staff with him. Huh? He’s honoring his staff for hopping on the Junket Express” with him? What would he be if they did some work there as well?

    Comment by Anonymous Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 12:06 pm

  46. To the Update,

    Schock can’t excuse this specific trip in one breath, and hire an outside firm to do what his Staff failed to see as a possible “optics”, or possible “ethics” … oversight.

    To paraphrase “Smilin’ Jack Ross” - Mr. Schock, you can’t stop this anymore.

    Now, it’s a “survival” thing.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 12:07 pm

  47. === My question for the congressman (and I live in his district so I will ask him) why do you need a private firm to tell you what an acceptable expense is? ===

    Because when you hire an accounting firm, it makes it seem like this more of an administrative mix-up than purposeful spending.

    Comment by Just Observing Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 12:20 pm

  48. I repeat. Resign. It’s a matter of time. It will happen. The only question left, will he be in office when an indictment comes down? Or will getting out now stop that? Should have last month. It’s a Republican seat. He’s done with being useful to his party. Sadly, even more to his constituents.

    Comment by Walter Mitty Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 12:36 pm

  49. “Schocktoberfest”?

    Comment by Wensicia Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 12:40 pm

  50. =Wouldn’t it be interesting if Darin LaHood stepped forward and ran against Schock in the GOP Primary?=

    No, it would be an intellectual step down. That may be hard to believe but it is true. Darrin LaHood is an empty shirt and has done nothing of merit during his time in the ILGA. Literally nothing.

    Comment by JS Mill Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 1:18 pm

  51. “Bloomington attorney Mark Zalcman announces GOP primary challenge to Aaron Schock”

    http://www.pjstar.com/article/20150309/NEWS/150309233#utm_sguid=151217,9a771f21-90ad-80e6-6ea1-b2a4b8e7ce67

    Comment by yinn Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 1:22 pm

  52. Has the media hopped on the term “Schockgate” yet? If not, I grant free license of the term to Rich Miller. LOL.

    Comment by Jake From Elwood Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 1:22 pm

  53. He’s lucky his trip didn’t coincide with fashion week Sept 10th-17th.. The jokes would never end..

    Comment by State Worker Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 1:40 pm

  54. ===“Bloomington attorney Mark Zalcman announces GOP primary challenge to Aaron Schock”

    http://www.pjstar.com/article/20150309/NEWS/150309233#utm_sguid=151217,9a771f21-90ad-80e6-6ea1-b2a4b8e7ce67 ===

    ‘Zalcman said he is running on a platform centered on his Christian faith and values, using the slogan “Because Washington needs the Gospel.”‘

    I hope you like dog whistles because hoo boy. Better Schock than this bozo. We’ve got plenty of other lawmakers giving Washington the Gospel.

    Comment by GraduatedCollegeStudent Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 1:42 pm

  55. ===Schock told reporters Monday it was a “very legitimate trip” and that he was “honored” his staff could be there.===

    Were the staff that went on this “very legitimate trip” district office staff of political staff? I can understand office staff, though 10 is a stretch, but political staff from his campaign on tax dollars-no way.

    Comment by Lost in Translation Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 3:03 pm

  56. Sangamo, today’s Congress is not in the business of governing.

    Seriously, they don’t pass laws. Or budgets. Or actually address through “debate” or oversight any meaningful issues.

    I mean, how many “Benghazi investigations” can you have? Seven and counting.

    Comgress is in the business of raising campaign money. To that end, they play to the knuckleheads and “look, a kitty” victims and ignorant scandalmongers of cable and talk radio.

    Hopefully, that will change. WLS radio has been firing the worst of their on-air, ignorant, Rush-and-Beck wannabe chronic victims like Proft and Kass because the old act doesn’t draw listeners or make money.

    Comment by Wordslinger Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 3:22 pm

  57. Still a good chance that Schock skates his way through this fiasco.

    Funny thing is not many here are diving into their crow sandwich and have taken a liking to the bloody chum Schock has served up.

    Comment by vole Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 3:46 pm

  58. @ Wordslinger @ 3:22 pm:
    ==Sangamo, today’s Congress is not in the business of governing.==

    Amen.

    Comment by Sangamo Sam Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 4:26 pm

  59. You don’t say stuff like what he said today unless you’re in trouble and you know it. Haters gonna hate? He sure ain’t saying that now.

    I’m guessing that someone has sat him down and told him that he’s in genuine trouble with the ethics police. Otherwise, he would not have set up this supposed third party to run his office finances. The hometown paper is already in retreat from any support it ever gave him. Meanwhile, ad folks are salivating at the possibilities. “Haters gonna hate” plastered atop headlines of “Schock Under Ethics Inquiry,” “Schock Spokesman Resigns Over Racial Remarks” and photos of the congressman surfing and dancing it up in Brazil.

    The more you think this through, the more the question isn’t so much is he in trouble, but how can he hang on?

    And I might be in the minority, but whoever is behind this is not particularly masterful save for the timing. This fruit hung so low the branch groaned.

    Comment by He's In Trouble Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 4:33 pm

  60. Surprised the staff was not treated to a trip to this year’s Oscars hosted by Neil Patrick Harris–Congressman Schock’s separated-at-birth twin/doppelgänger…

    Comment by Hawkeye in Illinois Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 7:45 pm

  61. Hawk, Doogie and Schock are remarkable look-a-likes.

    Comment by Wordslinger Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 8:10 pm

  62. Used to work for the federal government, if I had done this I would have been fired at the least. Isn’t this what Jesse Jr. went to jail for?
    And yes I live in his district and used to support him. Not now, feds will investigate after they let him twist in the wind for awhile. Have to make the republican “brand” look bad before he goes down. Needs to the honorable and smart thing(before they charge him with a crime) and resign. Party is over dandy don is singing along with a rather large lady warming up in the wings. Real question is, who is the next in line to do Cat’s bidding?????

    Comment by EX-FED Monday, Mar 9, 15 @ 9:21 pm

  63. Ok I know I’m way late on this so forgive me…

    Two things came to my mind with this.

    1. The title of the story with the word “chastened” in it just sounds weird (sorry Rich)

    2. @He’s In Trouble @ 4:33pm on March 9 is right Schock has probably sat down with someone and told him he’s in trouble. Now I’m definitely not a lawyer or politician in any way but something strikes me…has anyone ever heard the term “mole in the office” ? because all these stories about Schock have piled on waaay to fast unlike other political scandals.

    There is a mole in Schock’s camp and when they are found out…well everyone knows what happened when a mongoose beats a cobra https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdg9gkmWsEA

    Comment by South Of I-80 Tuesday, Mar 10, 15 @ 1:53 am

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