* Oh. My. God…
On Monday afternoon, POLITICO posed a lengthy set of questions about charging the government and his campaign tens of thousands of dollars in questionable mileage reimbursements.
“Today, I am announcing my resignation as a Member of the United States House of Representatives effective March 31,” 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. I have always sought to do what’s best for my constituents and I thank them for the opportunity to serve,” he said in a statement.
*** UPDATE 1 *** Politico appears to have had him busted cold…
When Schock transferred the SUV to an Illinois dealership in 2014, it had 81,860 miles on the odometer, the documents show. However, between January 2010 and the end of July 2014, he billed the federal government for 123,131 miles driven in his personal vehicle. During the same time period, the Republican billed his “Schock for Congress” campaign account and GOP Generation Y Fund, his leadership political action committee, for another 49,388 miles.
Altogether, Schock sought reimbursement for 172,520 miles on his car, despite the fact that he signed documents that certified the vehicle traveled less than half that distance.
Schock had no other vehicles registered in his name at the time, according to state public records. Multiple sources familiar with his office operations say he only drove the Tahoe during this period.
In November 2009, less than a year after Schock took his seat in Congress, the lawmaker bought the 2010 Tahoe from Green Chevrolet in Peoria. The dealership is owned by Jeff Green, a contributor to Schock who has flown the congressman around his district in his airplane and helicopter.
…Adding… The next step is the governor sets a special election date. Recent specials via our friend Aviva Bowen…
IL-14 (Foster to replace Hastert); IL-Sen (Kirk to replace Obama, er, Burris); IL-5 (Quigley to replace Rahm); IL-2 (Kelly to replace Jackson Jr)
MORE: The governor has five days from the date of the vacancy to choose an election date. The general election has to be held within 115 days from the day the governor makes his decision. The primary can be held at any point in between. That’s up to the governor.
…Adding More… Crain’s has a nifty little downfall timeline. Click here. It doesn’t include the AP story from earlier today, but you’ve already seen that one.
*** UPDATE 2 *** Gov. Rauner…
This is a sad day for the people of Illinois and the 18th District.
It’s expected that he will say something more in Bloomington today.
*** UPDATE 3 *** Speaker Boehner…
“With this decision, Rep. Schock has put the best interests of his constituents and the House first. I appreciate Aaron’s years of service, and I wish him well in the future,” Boehner said in a statement issued by his office.
Sen. Durbin…
“The allegations against Congressman Schock are serious, raising questions about his expenditure of official funds and campaign funds. His resignation came as a surprise and reflects the gravity of his situation.”
*** UPDATE 5 *** IL GOP Chairman Tim Schneider…
“Honesty and integrity are of utmost importance when serving the public. Today is an unfortunate day for the people of the 18th Congressional District, the State of Illinois, and the Illinois Republican Party.”
*** UPDATE 6 *** AP…
Schock did not inform any House leaders before making his decision.
The Office of Congressional Ethics is an outside panel that reviews ethics complaints against House members and makes recommendations to the House Ethics Committee.
A person who received a letter from the panel said the OCE was interested in conducting an interview and reviewing any relevant documents. At least two other Schock associates received similar letters, the person said. The Schock associate asked not to be identified because the ethics panel’s actions are confidential.
*** UPDATE 7 *** Senator Darin LaHood (R-Peoria)…
“It is a sudden development. It is clear to me Congressman Schock believes he is doing what is best for the people of the 18thDistrict at this time. We appreciate his efforts on behalf of our constituents and our communities.
“I will be evaluating the full impact of this decision in the next few days.”
*** UPDATE 8 *** U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis …
“Aaron is a friend and this is a sad day for the Illinois delegation but I know Congressman Schock is doing what he thinks is best for his constituents and I support his decision.” said Davis. “I have enjoyed serving with Aaron in Congress and will miss working with him on legislative issues important to Illinois.”
*** UPDATE 9 *** Congressman Adam Kinzinger…
“During my time in Congress, I have come to know and respect Aaron Schock’s dedication to serving his constituents, his tireless advocacy for our country’s future and the people in the 18th District. Aaron was constantly looking for ways to end partisan gridlock, never afraid to reach across the aisle to find real solutions for American families. I was saddened to learn of his resignation and wish him the best.”
Nothing yet from Mark Kirk.
- jerry 101 - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:23 pm:
Holy smokes!
- Nick Naylor - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:24 pm:
Darren LaHood, Congressman-select?
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:24 pm:
Wow.
I would’ve thought he would ride this out.
- SAP - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:24 pm:
Does Rauner appoint the replacement?
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:25 pm:
Yikes. There must be a bombshell coming because I didn’t think any of this was hard-hitting enough to justify THIS.
- partys over - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:25 pm:
Wonder if this will be elaborated upon:
“On Monday afternoon, POLITICO posed a lengthy set of questions about charging the government and his campaign tens of thousands of dollars in questionable mileage reimbursements.”
- Transplant - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:25 pm:
Six weeks of heat and you resign?
- very old soil - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:25 pm:
WOW. That was fast and way too fast for a man with high standards. What was the next reveal going to be?
- IrishPirate - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:25 pm:
Special election by law. Rauner can’t appoint
- Chicago Cynic - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:25 pm:
I thought of this as a sideshow but in recent days it’s become clear that he was in a heap of trouble. Still, I didn’t expect this to happen this soon. Holy smokes!
- MrJM - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:26 pm:
Schock’s resigning to spend more time on his abs.
– MrJM
- Robert the Bruce - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:26 pm:
==Darren LaHood, Congressman-select?==
Good guess, unless locals are mad because of dad. But still an establishment choice.
- Casual Observer - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:26 pm:
Who’s hanging the mission accomplished sign? Will this free him to talk about who he thinks is behind the attacks?
- Man with a plan - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:27 pm:
Anyone else curious whether the operatives of our beloved governor played any role in this witchhunt? There has certainly never been any love there.
- Formerpol - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:27 pm:
Very sad. This is why so many very good people want nothing to do with elective politics. Why put up with constant strife and grief ? I would counsel young people to stay away from politics.
- Gooner - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:27 pm:
I usually do not believe in kicking people when they are down, but let’s be honest. Schock was a terrible Congressman.
He seemed to have zero interest in actually doing the work. What issue was he known for?
It was all about looking good and being seen looking good.
If he spent 1/2 the time in the weight room and used that time to study legislation, he could have had a long career.
Instead, he will be remembered as shallow and possibly corrupt.
His district is better off today.
- Chicago Cynic - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:28 pm:
Let’s see how many of those get rich quick deals come his way now that he’s going to be ex-Congressman.
- Lovie - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:28 pm:
His transgressions are a very serious matter, it was only a matter of time. Give him credit for realizing that it was time to go.
- Carl Nyberg - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:28 pm:
I saw the allegations currently in the media more as wounding than forcing resignation.
Makes me wonder what else hasn’t broken.
He seemed so disciplined from his quick rise up through the school district and the Illinois General Assembly.
But the stuff he got in trouble for seemed to come from his need for attention and to be a big shot, a peacock politician.
- Formerly Known As... - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:28 pm:
Now the question is ==who?==
==I know it was you, Fredo and it breaks my heart==
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:28 pm:
===I usually do not believe in kicking people when they are down, but …===
Then why did you?
Bad form.
- Educated in the Suburbs - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:29 pm:
Lock, Schock, & Barrel.
Shock as Schock Walks
Spending squawks knock Schock to chopping block
… I’m here all week
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:29 pm:
La Hoooood (in yahoo voice)
- Qui Tam - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:30 pm:
“That was fast and way too fast for a man with high standards.”
I hope that was snark. That is unless your with the swindle caucus.
VOS, was Schock your notary back in the day?
- Aldyth - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:30 pm:
I wonder if he suspected worse was coming? Someone has certainly been relentless in taking him apart layer by layer
- Illinois Spork Producers - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:30 pm:
How can he do this before the final episode of this season’s Downton Abbey?
- BIG R. Ph. - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:30 pm:
Is this the first time in history that a Congressman has been brought down by the re-painting of his office?
Drip
Drip
Drip
- Loop Lady - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:31 pm:
In a word: Wow. His activities could not endure the 24 hour news cycle, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Wonder what he’ll do next…
- FormerPol Jr. - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:32 pm:
What FormerPol said….
What makes me sad is we all believed in him, he was a prodigy to the Millennials and GOP
What makes me disgusted is over half the turncoats will turn against him and tell how horrible of a person he is…
- horse w/ no name - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:32 pm:
Formerpol - politics isn’t the problem, misuse of funds is the problem here. Council young people to be honest.
- Soccermom - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:32 pm:
Sporky — Downton has been over for a couple of weeks now. Sharpen up.
- Gooner - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:33 pm:
Oswego, I did because the situation was 100% of his own making.
He has a great deal and all he had to do was focus a bit on his work. He never did.
- Team Sleep - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:34 pm:
A. Wow.
B. There must be a special election.
C. My guess is that Darin LaHood throws his hat in the ring.
- I hate Ravinia - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:34 pm:
Ricca Slone for the Democrats??? Jehan Gordon?
- bored now - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:34 pm:
his ethics referral dies. special election will be held on date of the governor’s choosing.
this was a much bigger story inside the beltway than it ever seemed to be in illinois. this very well may be politico’s first scalp…
- Nick Naylor - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:34 pm:
And it only took 954 cuts to do him in.
- Unclear on the Concept - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:34 pm:
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
Proverbs 16:18
What a waste of potential.
- illinoised - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:35 pm:
I predicted this last night in a post to Facebook. It is obvious that revelations to-date could likely be the tip of the iceberg, and Schock did not want to totally capsize. He brought this on himself - he is the one who chose to be a high-profile “celebrity” legislator. No sympathy from me for his plight.
- Amalia - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:36 pm:
@ Gooner, I agree. except that he had the tools which could have been used for good even though he did not do that.
this is not a lesson to discourage young people from participating in the process. it is a lesson to do the right thing, the right way. to view the privilege of elected office not as a pathway to access and money, but as a pathway to doing good things for the people who gave the privilege of serving in office by electing an official.
I feel no pity for him, but I feel very sad for his district. And sad for Illinois that yet another pol has gone very, very wrong.
- Truthteller - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:37 pm:
Schock was bad for his district, bad for the Republican Party. The Republican Party is the party of responsible, good government. Schock was neither. Glad to see him go.
- MrJM - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:37 pm:
Now the question is whether this move will keep his staff from being subpoenaed.
– MrJM
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:38 pm:
Greatest. OR. Ever.
Wow. Just… Wow.
- A guy - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:39 pm:
Aldyth, I’m guessing he did more than “suspect” more was coming. Someone laid it out for him concisely.
It’s truly hard to say that much or most of this he did bring on himself, but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s a sad day.
This is definitely a victory for someone. I’m pretty sure whoever it is, is not the kind of person we want to see in the W column. This guy (with his own help) was systematically destroyed.
It’s bad for all of us.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:39 pm:
To the Post,
Everyone is on their own now, Schock included.
Lawyer up. Tell the truth. Prepare for anything. Anything.
Textbook takedown, but the folding so soon was unexpected.
This is also texbook how choosing who you have around you, as Staff and Crew can feed into avenues that lead to trouble and resignation. The Staff and Crew wear the jacket for not protecting Schock from himself.
The Congrrssional aspect of investigating is over.
- IrishPirate - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:39 pm:
I’m a congenital Dem, but I take only a little Schockenfreude from this. He was never a serious legislator.
Hopefully the GOP will find someone more serious for this safe GOP seat.
- ZC - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:40 pm:
No question the drips were becoming more of a waterfall in the ensuing weeks, to the point where I began telling myself, “No way every Member of Congress acts like this.” There are other envelope-pushers out there I’m sure, but maybe after this they’ll come to their senses a bit.
- Qui Tam - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:40 pm:
“I wonder if he suspected worse was coming?”
Maybe he will be busy amending his income tax returns to declare all of the campaign fund income he converted for personal use.
It appears that voting with the swindle caucus pays well in congress.
- SAP - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:41 pm:
OR ???
- LincolnLounger - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:41 pm:
It was the real estate deals. Everything else he could have toughed out.
What a waste. Such remarkable hubris.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:41 pm:
===Greatest. OR. Ever.===
Sadly, yes to both.
- Gooner -, with respect, don’t be “that guy” that says not “that guy” but do it anyway.
If you’re gonna say it, just own it.
- The obvious - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:42 pm:
Not surprising.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:42 pm:
===This guy (with his own help) was systematically destroyed.===
The oppo just found what he did and then professionally dribbled it all out. In reality, he destroyed himself.
- Scotty in Chicago - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:43 pm:
When you shake the haystack and ten needles fall out, pretty good bet the haystack is loaded with needles. Good riddance.
- A guy - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:44 pm:
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:42 pm:
===This guy (with his own help) was systematically destroyed.===
The oppo just found what he did and then professionally dribbled it all out. In reality, he destroyed himself.
Indeed he did.
- Unclear on the Concept - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:44 pm:
SAP: OR = Opposition Research
- anon - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:44 pm:
Paraphrasing, those who want to be exalted, will be humbled and those who are humble will be exalted.
- qcexaminer - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:44 pm:
Per Kristen McQueary: “How long before Aaron Schock checks into rehab and can Erika Harold move to Peoria?” lol
- BobbyG - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:44 pm:
I hope he gets a bit part on Downton Abbey after all this.
- Soccermom - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:44 pm:
Schockenfreude — nice.
Something big must have been coming, or he would have waited for the traditional Friday exit.
- Union Man - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:45 pm:
Great Day for Illinois. Better he leave before they found more hidden issues with him. What is it with Illinois politicians? Is in in the water?They just don’t get it!
- SAP - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:45 pm:
Shock self- destructed, but the way he was taken down by using his own actions against his was black belt level jujitsu stuff.
- anon - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:45 pm:
A reminder to our Republican friends that not all officer holders with ethical issues are Democrats.
- Lost in Translation - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:46 pm:
He’s done a lot…
He’ll do more (…time, hopefully)
- anonymoose - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:46 pm:
“Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine.”
When the cost of a podium and the podium’s provenance becomes breathless news….he had to know it was a bleak future hounded for every penny spent and who so much as handed him a stick of gum.
- A guy - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:46 pm:
As much as a “planner” as he was in some regards, he may already know where he winds up next. Too late for DWTS.
I suspect he’ll be a “contributor” on some broadcast.
- James Bond - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:47 pm:
Schocking.
- Gooner - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:47 pm:
SAP,
“Opposition research.”
- rilt - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:47 pm:
Should of tried to live on minimum wage. Take on Rachel Maddow and see what happens.
- Jorge - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:47 pm:
Wow. Aaron was so gifted. What a loss t ok the sane caucus.
- SAP - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:47 pm:
Thanks uotc. I’m no good at acronyms.
- Anonymiss - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:47 pm:
>>The oppo just found what he did and then professionally dribbled it all out. In reality, he destroyed himself.
True, but man, what an epic, choreographed takedown.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:49 pm:
I read it too fast too..
===OR.===
I was focusing on what that OR did.
It’s the greatest takedown, ever. Apologies.
- 47th Ward - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:49 pm:
===I’m pretty sure whoever it is, is not the kind of person we want to see in the W column.===
I’m not so sure. Karma is a (bad thing) sometimes. We’ll just have to wait and see if we ever learn who was behind this.
Resignation or not, the most interesting angle is who was behind this? When we learn who, we’ll probably understand why.
- Quizno - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:49 pm:
So Springfield Friends,
You think we are going to get that burrito place back at 6th and Monroe now?
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:49 pm:
===I suspect he’ll be a “contributor”===
I suspect he’ll wind up as a suspect.
- Archiesmom - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:49 pm:
I’m with LincolnLounger. This happened real fast after the real estate deals started coming to light. Decorating an office and plane trips can be weathered. Land deals with donors can’t.
- DuPage - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:50 pm:
Who exactly wanted him out, and WHY?
- Ghost - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:50 pm:
Blessed bovines batman.
I wonder if there was a backroom deal here.
- IrishPirate - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:50 pm:
Ok on with the Schockenfreude. Since the takedown was choreographed shouldn’t his resignation announcement involved an SNL musical number or something.
Maybe a version of “Annie”: The Schock Will Come Out tomorrow, bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow I’ll be gone……….”
Sorry. Early drinking or late drinking for St. Pat’s Day.
- Nick Naylor - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:50 pm:
=Something big must have been coming, or he would have waited for the traditional Friday exit.=
Bingo
- Stones - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:50 pm:
Schocking development!
He decided to drop the shoe himself before the other shoe dropped.
- A guy - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:51 pm:
=== Rich Miller - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:49 pm:
===I suspect he’ll be a “contributor”===
I suspect he’ll wind up as a suspect.===
We could both be correct.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:52 pm:
===Resignation or not, the most interesting angle is who was behind this? When we learn who, we’ll probably understand why.===
100% spot on.
Schock won’t be doing anything, anytime soon except sittibg with an attorney to spill all to figure out where he may stand if the there’s a knock on the door. Period.
Right now, odds of a knock are shrinking.
- A guy - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:53 pm:
I don’t know what the technical number of days needs to be in order to call a special election or how long a vacancy needs to exist in Congress before calling one, but the comments about doing this today instead of Friday (or later) made me wonder.
- OneMan - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:54 pm:
Yep, there is a lesson here kids…
Don’t know when/if who did this comes out, but if they do, I bet it helps them and their business 10x…
- NIref - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:54 pm:
“Such a waste of talent. He chose money over power. In this town, a mistake nearly everyone makes. Money is the Mc-mansion in Sarasota that starts falling apart after 10 years. Power is the old stone building that stands for centuries”-Francis Underwood.
- Wensicia - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:55 pm:
Whoever is behind this, are they satisfied? Will the revelations stop or is the final cut still coming?
- foster brooks - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:56 pm:
another Illinois politician that will be going to jail
- Norseman - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:57 pm:
=== Very sad. This is why so many very good people want nothing to do with elective politics. Why put up with constant strife and grief? ===
There are many examples of excessive campaign tactics against elected officials to affirm your point. However, I believe this is self inflicted.
- OneMan - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:57 pm:
Back in the day, your odometer not matching your actual miles driven would not have been that unusual in some places…
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:59 pm:
To the update,
It wasn’t the age of the Congressman, but the miles on the Congressman…all of them.
- Jerry 101 - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:59 pm:
So, looks to me like he basically stole/’misappropriated’ about $45k from the fed government (80k actual vehicle miles, less 50k miles charged to his campaign funds is 30k. He billed the Feds for 120k miles at about 50 cents per mile).
So, are we in JJJ territory here? Is Mr Schock looking at a trip to Club Fed?
- D.P.Gumby - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:00 pm:
Well, now that he’s come out of Congress….
- A guy - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:01 pm:
According to Politico, his resignation is effective on 3/31.
- Illini97 - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:01 pm:
It seems telling that this comes after the shell corporations and land deals started coming to light. Perhaps that rathole is pretty deep? Sounds like he knows there is worse yet to come and he needs the OCE investigation to stop.
- Gooner - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:01 pm:
Mileage is going to be the final nail?
That’s like Rosty with postage.
Here’s a lesson to all you elected officials out there — if you are going to cheat, you may as well cheat big.
- VanillaMan - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:02 pm:
- VanillaMan - Monday, Mar 2, 15 @ 10:58 am:
Paging Senator Darin LaHood!
Senator LaHood?
Chairman Priebus would like to speak with you!
- Nick Naylor - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:04 pm:
=According to Politico, his resignation is effective on 3/31.=
That’s not uncommon. It will give him two weeks to get his final expense reports completed and submitted….
- IrishPirate - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:04 pm:
Actually in terms of immediate public scorn the mileage business is worse because it’s easier to understand.
- And I Approved This Message - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:05 pm:
The Young Congressman will be forever Young.
- Nick Naylor - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:06 pm:
I have said it before and I’ll say it again:
“There just ain’t no right way to do the wrong thing”.
- Walter Mitty - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:07 pm:
Not surprised at all… The question is, will this keep him out of prison? Clearly, there is more to come. Perhaps this stops this… To be determined.
- Shore - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:07 pm:
If they don’t convict him, he’ll end up on MSNBC-young, ex pol. Boom.
There was a LaHood in one of these stories, not sure if it was a brother. That might cool young Darin’s mojo.
- MrJM - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:08 pm:
“Actually in terms of immediate public scorn the mileage business is worse because it’s easier to understand.”
It’s also criminal.
– MrJM
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:08 pm:
He could have waited until tomorrow when all of Springfield will be hung over from the Sullivan Caucus party. Now, he’ll just be the talk of it.
- Nearly Normal - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:09 pm:
Sooo, does his replacement get to use the Downton Abbey office? I am going to DC in May for a lobby day and would like to know if I get to see the office in person.
- anonymous plus one - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:09 pm:
I think his youth finally worked against him. He obviously is very bright, but some things can only be learned through experience. It is a hallmark of the young to think that nothing bad will ever happen to you. Without speaking to whether he did anything unethical, it is obvious that he made some choices and decisions that at the very least didn’t look good. It seems like he never thought anyone would start really looking at his spending and make an issue of it. A more seasoned (older) candidate would understand that everything is scrutinized and that something bad could and indeed probably will happen. Until today, he seemed to have a blind spot to how his spending and business dealings could be perceived. But again, thinking that you are smarter than you really are or that the rules don’t apply is a conceit of the young.
- I-72 Blues - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:10 pm:
Also, his resignation letter was weak sauce. How about a mea culpa, kid?
- IrishPirate - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:10 pm:
MrJM
Yes the mileage business would be criminal if it is proven. Still easier to understand than land deals etc.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:10 pm:
=== Clearly, there is more to come. Perhaps this stops this… To be determined.===
The opposite. Resigning exaserbates things. The congressional aspect is over.
- How Ironic - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:11 pm:
Haters gonna hate, Quitters gonna quit?
- Soccermom - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:11 pm:
So do the drips stop now? Or does this continue until his last day?
- Marty Funkhouser - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:12 pm:
So what’s the consensus on the oppo: Was it Democrats, leftover stuff parceled out by Rauner’s camp, a combination of both OR both sides working together like the unholy alliance of Klingons, Romulans and Federation officers trying to derail the peace deal in Star Trek VI? I know our preferred movie analogies are Godfather/Goodfellas, but work with me people.
- nikobey - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:12 pm:
The timing of Congressman Schock’s resignation was surprising, but it may have been related to this morning’s House Republican Caucus meeting. The nature of the publicity surrounding congressman was becoming increasingly embarrassing to House Republicans who have other problems with they are contending. It has also become apparent that the ongoing scrutiny to which Congressman Schock has been and is currently being subjected by investigative journalists,unfriendly political operatives, the House Committee on Ethics, Federal Elections Comission, and possibly the Department of Justice were creating serious difficulties for him in carrying out his congressional duties. He was becoming the butt of jokes in Washington and on late evening television. And the media in his district were paying increasing attention to his problems. Given these circumstances, it seems reasonable that the Congressman decided to resign at this time.He has some serious difficulties ahead and will need to devote his full attention to addressing them.
- JS Mill - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:12 pm:
He could have easily ridden this whole thing out in his district with a mea culpa and reimbursement if his transgressions were limited to padding his mileage. There is more and it was laid out for him. That really has to be it.
What a take down, but then, he made it easy. I would like to know who was really behind it. My theory- far, far right wing. Just a stab in the dark though.
Just about anyone but Darrin (deer in the headlights, I have a job because my last name is Lahood) LaHood. He is a horrible state senator. he is the state equivalent of Schock without the style, charisma, or fund raising chops. Please let it be someone legit.
- VanillaMan - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:13 pm:
This way, Senator LaHood!
Special Open Congressional Election Time!
It is time to restore the LaHood legacy in Peoria and with Rauner in office, it isn’t going to be any fun in Springfield for you. All that bad karma, all those bad votes, still stuck in the minority - with your dad riding shotgun you can leave all that behind and be a part of a growing majority in Washington DC!
Say, this district is still red enough to get your career careening and give you enough time to take on a US Senate seat race when Dick Durbin retires in 2020. You’ll have had three terms to get your feet wet.
You can survive with Kinzinger around for a few years while you make your bones. He might get tapped for something else before 2020 and you’ll be better placed than he would be anyway with your donor base.
Do it.
It will make your dad pretty happy to see you do it.
- My FiNgErS HuRt - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:13 pm:
Jason Barickman 2015, 2016, 2018, 2020.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:15 pm:
=if his transgressions were limited to padding his mileage.=
I don’t know how you come to that conclusion. The dude likely committed a crime. Ain’t no “mea culpa” gonna fix that.
- IrishPirate - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:16 pm:
Marcus Gilmer retweeting old Schock tweets.
https://twitter.com/marcusgilmer
It’s brutal.
The schockenfreude is powerful with him.
- Soccermom - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:16 pm:
According to the twitters, he did this without telling his staff first. They found out from the intertubes.
Classy to the end.
I hereby am starting a rumor that he was using those black candles to lead Satanic masses….
- Buzzie - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:17 pm:
Done in by an odometer—-stupid and sloppy.
- ArchPundit - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:17 pm:
===He could have easily ridden this whole thing out in his district with a mea culpa and reimbursement if his transgressions were limited to padding his mileage
He defrauded the federal government of about $45,000. There was no riding that out–except in a federal prison. A low security prison, but a prison.
- Team Sleep - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:18 pm:
Fingers - Senator Barickman lives in Rodney Davis’s district.
- Amalia - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:19 pm:
well, could be that some Federal institution will be receiving another someone with great hair.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:20 pm:
===According to the twitters, he did this without telling his staff first. They found out from the intertubes.===
Actually torn about that;
Classless to not tell them, they were more worried how they can be served than looking out for him and each other. Bet Schock is angry at himself and them and both himself and them.
It explains it, doesn’t excuse it.
- Percival - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:20 pm:
“A man has got to know his limitations.” - Harry Callaghan.
- Allen Skillicorn - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:20 pm:
He gave up a promising career for what amounts to a small amount of money. Sad what greed, arrogance, and pride will do to someone.
Tells me a lot about the culture of DC.
- My FiNgErS HuRt - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:20 pm:
HuRt!
- Wordslinger - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:20 pm:
This just in — Gov. Rauner announced that his attorneys have determined that the Constitution entitles him to a four-year appointment to fill the remainder of Rep. Schock’s two-year term.
FormerPol, the “why we can’t get good people to run for office” bit is nauseating. I was highly critical of the gay-baiting, but that’s been going on for years. That didnt take him down.
Schock handed out a lot of sticks to beat him with.
Given the financial revelations of recent days, I suspect Schock is trying to head off criminal prosecution by the federales. He’s no longer a big pelt to put on the barn.
- D.P.Gumby - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:21 pm:
“Dad, do we have a lumber yard in Peoria?” –Jason Plummer
- Blago's Hare - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:22 pm:
Quitters gonna quit.
- JustSaying15 - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:22 pm:
And in other news, Captain Louis is absolutely shocked to find gambling at “Rick’s Café American”. I will give Aaron his due in this sense. He made corruption look fashionable.
As for Darin, I meet him before and while he didn’t dazzle me; he seemed like he would be a competent and relatively speaking honest politician. He will serve the people of that district so much better then Aaron.
- VanillaMan - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:23 pm:
Sorry, I was never a Schock fan.
You can go back before 2008 and see I was pretty cynical about him.
I hope he survives all this, because it has been obvious that being a congressman was a big deal for him and that he had big plans made a good twenty years ago in sixth grade.
I’ve been imagining him losing this office since he started going Instagram, Twitter and ripping his clothes off for photo shoots. He wasn’t Peoria. He was more like New Orleans or LA. I saw a split coming. The folks in that district elect Michaels and LaHood-types, and take their representatives more seriously than it seemed Schock wanted.
So I had imagined a while ago him losing this congressional seat and I also got a bit worried about how it will effect him as well. Losing is going to be a very hard thing for him to deal with. I’ve witnessed driven young men crashing and burning and not handling it well.
So I wish him the best of luck dealing with the effects of these congressional years.
- Nick Naylor - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:23 pm:
In his resignation statement, did he mention that he “went the extra mile” for his constituents?
- Walter Mitty - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:23 pm:
OW… Because he took your advice! He has an attorney… Maybe this is the gameplan… Blame some of this on them…. ? When you are looking at club fed… Anything goes…
- JustSaying15 - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:26 pm:
“According to the twitters, he did this without telling his staff first. They found out from the intertubes.”
As for a former staff member of government office, I find that to be a d-bag move. When your a staffer, your life basically revolves around serving the politicians you serve. Unless your a high staff member, you make peanuts and have no life.
He should told them first and then sent the press memo out. Fitting though. Aaron is all about Aaron no matter what.
- anonin' - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:26 pm:
First the best choice Gary Manier Mayor of Washington IL
Darrin LaHood has that goofy empty headed smile and little else
Who Wanted Schock Out?
The choices and possible Trifecta Box
1. Roskam — Schock opposed for leadership.
2. Kirk/Kirk staff(actually busy running Gov. office) they wanted to eliminate a strong replacement choice
3. DCCC/Durbin They wanted to eliminate a strong replacement in case Kirk gets bogged down.
Any or all take your pick
- Chris - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:26 pm:
So the guy soooo concerned about the waste, fraud and abuse of the Federal Fisc, was a perpetrator of that same waste, fraud and abuse?
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:27 pm:
Now.
Seriously. Honestly.
Twitter and Facebook and Instagram are forever.
* Never post in real-time
* Nothing that isn’t offical business. No personal stuff.
* Post in “Later-Gram” mentality. Wait a day. Assess. Then think on it again.
* Finally, skip the first three points and drop Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. They never win an election, but have cost careers and freedom.
Stop. Social. Media.
- Kerfuffle - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:28 pm:
I think this is a sad case where a young man was dazzled by the bright lights and celebrity of being a Congressman, lived the high life and didn’t think the rules applied to him because of his position. It is a heady place to be for anyone let alone a young man. Not sure where he is headed next but the Green family might be able to provide him a job as a used car salesman. It’s very much like his former job but without the glitz and glamour.
- ChicagoR - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:29 pm:
If a hot young Congressman falls in the forest, and there’s no professional staff photographer there to put it on Instagram, does it still make a noise?
- And I Approved This Message - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:29 pm:
Comments from the Speaker. “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out” would have been more heartfelt.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/03/17/us-usa-politics-schock-idUSKBN0MD2AS20150317
- walker - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:30 pm:
The real legal issues were his downfall. He could have outlasted the political ones in that district.
Wonder who in his local community of financial supporters also wanted this to go away.
- 47th Ward - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:31 pm:
===Wonder who in his local community of financial supporters also wanted this to go away.===
Excellent question.
- Wordslinger - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:31 pm:
Word of advice to the Schock people:
It is a felony to lie to a federal law enforcement official, even when you are not under oath.
If the FBI asks you a question, assume they already know the truthful answer.
The boss just jumped ship. Look out for yourself.
- Casual Observer - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:31 pm:
One thing is for sue, this oppo team (whoever he/she/they are) is in very high demand right now…from both sides. Eric Snowden was a chump amateur when it comes to leaking. The book has been re-written and the bar has been raised. Every politician wants this group on their side, not against them.
- Walter Mitty - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:33 pm:
Word… With that… The boss may try and blame you for some of the oversight…
- Ducky LaMoore - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:33 pm:
Aw crap. Not Lahood, unless it is Ray… aw crap….
- Nick Naylor - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:34 pm:
I suspect he quit because he finally ran out of personal money in which to pay back the government for his errors.
- anonin' - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:34 pm:
Shouldn’t BVR be saying he exposed that corrupt bargain when he ran Schock out of the governor’s race. Illinois should be giddy.
- Illinois Spork Producers - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:34 pm:
I hope Darrin LaHood likes Downton Abbey decor.
- Amalia - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:35 pm:
wondering if there is one person/entity behind this, or if once the door was opened, multiple parties with information and the same interest in seeing the guy gone just piled on. great back story. someone go get that!
- on the other hand - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:40 pm:
I guess you could say Schock ab-dicated his throne…
- Formerly Known As... - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:40 pm:
==great back story==
It would be. Also whether or not this was an ==inside job== or a separate org. This seems like more than a routine hit, almost personal.
- Hacksaw Jim - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:40 pm:
Some people actually appear to be showing sympathy for this guy. If what has been said is true, this guy committed a crime. Jesse Jackson Jr. is currently in jail because he misappropriated campaign funds. If these allegations are true, Schock not only misappopriated campaign funds, he defrauded the federal government. The Feds can’t possibly let that one go.
- Springfield's The Avengers - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:41 pm:
AND THE QUARTERBACK IS TOAST!
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:42 pm:
Here is an example of NOT understanding.
@RonSandack: I take no pleasure in someone else’s demise, but in this case it seems like (political) death by a 1000 (self inflicted) cuts #SchockResigns
Really? If you take no pleasure…why Tweet it?
- Wordslinger - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:43 pm:
Nikobey, by now, you must know the U.S. House GOP Caucus is incapable of embarrassment.
The only thing that could budge Schock at this point is fear of prosecution.
Maybe if he resigns, the stories stop, and the federales don’t get interested.If he stayed, the stories would definitely continue, and the prosecutors would have to take a look.
We'’ll see.
I have to believe at some point, someone, somewhere is going to spill the beans on who’s behind the takedown. Maybe Schock himself (he has to know), maybe someone talking loud in a bar, maybe someon dying for some credit.
- IrishPirate - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:43 pm:
OW,
I’m taking a bit of pleasure in this, but I feel guilty about it.
- Illinois Spork Producers - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:44 pm:
Man with a Plan ==Anyone else curious whether the operatives of our beloved governor played any role in this witchhunt?==
Maybe the Dan Rutherford loyalists have some folks to empathize with now?
- Shell Answer Man - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:44 pm:
Apparently Bruce Rauner needs to call a special within five days after Schock’s resignation - set for March 31 - and the election must be held no later than 115 days from the call.
- Walter Mitty - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:44 pm:
I believed as this went on… And now convinced… There was inside help… To get the ball rolling and some of the minutia in the beginning… They knew what needle in which haystack….
- Jack Stephens - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:46 pm:
I’m not to “Schocked” to hear about this!
I’ll be here all week….don’t forget to tip your waitress!
- Nick Naylor - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:48 pm:
It appears that a lot of roads lead back to Jeff Green, not all, but a lot. He seems to be the central linking figure in a lot of the problems: real estate, automobiles, planes, etc.
- Soccermom - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:48 pm:
If I were working in a certain Downton Abbey-themed office, I’d be speed-dialing the DOJ right about now. The first one to check in at Club Fed wins, kids.
- anon - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:48 pm:
I don’t think the feds will let him redecorate his cell.
- Hacksaw Jim - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:48 pm:
=== Maybe if he resigns, the stories stop, and the federales don’t get interested.If he stayed, the stories would definitely continue, and the prosecutors would have to take a look. ===
If the “federales” aren’t already knee deep in Schock’s business, I would be really surprised.
- PolPal56 - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:49 pm:
Amazing takedown. Whoever orchestrated it showed a great deal more self-discipline than Schock.
- just another guy - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:52 pm:
@Nick Naylor makes a good point. Maybe someone should be looking into Green, I don’t know that many car dealers that own either a plane or a helicopter
- Walter Mitty - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:53 pm:
The only story left is who did it….
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:54 pm:
===If I were working in a certain Downton Abbey-themed office, I’d be speed-dialing the DOJ right about now. The first one to check in at Club Fed wins, kids.===
Yep. The bus has stopped, you better get on before it leaves.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:54 pm:
===I don’t know that many car dealers that own either a plane or a helicopter ===
Car dealers are making boatloads of money these days. And the Green family excels at that pursuit.
- Walter Mitty - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:54 pm:
Durbin has the best statement… The foreshadowing is palpable… Me thinks the feds are knee deep…
- Ray del Camino - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:55 pm:
D.P.Gumby — for the win!
- One day at a time - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:55 pm:
I wonder who will get stuck with the bill to “de-decorate” the EX-congressman’s Downton Decor Digs in DC?
- Wordslinger - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:57 pm:
Soccermom, small point, but I think the goal is NOT to check into Club Fed.
But first one to the flipper switch wins.
- MrJM - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:57 pm:
“They knew what needle in which haystack”
It’s looking more and more like a needle-stack.
– MrJM
- skeptic - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:57 pm:
“It appears that a lot of roads lead back to Jeff Green” His name also comes up in the whole Jeff Parsons “Roadshow” fiasco too.
- Precinct Captain - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:58 pm:
==- Formerpol - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:27 pm:==
The Schock sychophants already out in full force. He was going to nailed and he knew it, otherwise he wouldn’t have stepped down.
==- A guy - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:46 pm:==
What’s he going to contribute? I was part of a do nothing caucus that got nothing done. When Rosty was contributing to WFLD, that was something worth watching.
- walker - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:01 pm:
Those who say this is a big loss over some rule- breaking, and the misuse of a relatively small amount of money, are missing the underlying problems.
The sources of Schock’s personal fortune, and those who set him up and sustained him in office, remain uninvestigated. That’s where the real money is. And that’s what could now fade from public concern.
- Biker - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:02 pm:
That’s too bad. Even though I lean left and don’t live anywhere near Peoria, whenever an issue of congressional level importance came up I would call his office first. Maybe because he’s young, maybe because he’s not an idealouge, or maybe because he seemed to try to represent his constituents,I felt Ilike his office would thoughtfully take advice. I take no joy from today. If anything, the old guard won.
- Joe Bidenopolous - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:03 pm:
===Greatest. OR. Ever.===
===Something big must have been coming, or he would have waited for the traditional Friday exit.===
Two things I agree with. I’m left wondering what bullets were still in the chamber. Also, would like to meet the people who did it. A lot to be learned there.
- How Ironic - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:09 pm:
@Biker:
“If anything, the old guard won.”
No, if anything the taxpayers won. This guy was talking a big game of ‘fiscal conservatism’ while wallowing in the trough, snapping selfies of himself.
He brought this house of cards down through hubris.
- DizzyCow - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:09 pm:
Why stay till 31st?
What’s the benefit? Doesn’t the leave him open to more revelations.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:11 pm:
Stone-cold reaction from Boehner.
- Harold's Left-wing Dinner - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:11 pm:
Roll Call wasted no time updating the casualty list:
http://www.rollcall.com/politics/casualtylist.html/
“I gave it my all…and I only took some.”
—AJS
- Wordslinger - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:11 pm:
Props to Lahood and Davis for at least saying Schock’s name and saying something decent about him.
Rauner and Schneider couldn’t manage that for some reason. Hhmm.
- Plutocrat03 - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:12 pm:
So where do I hire these take down artist’s? I have a few More of these disreputable types that need walking papers…,,,
- BigBob - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:13 pm:
…FormerPol 1:27.
Public scrutiny would cause you to encourage young people to stay out of politics. How ridiculous! Encourage them to get in, work hard and be HONEST.
- Wordslinger - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:15 pm:
I suspect that the 3/31 effective date gets Schock another payday and a little more time before he has to buy health insurance.
- jazzy - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:15 pm:
Who stands to gain by this? I think we will see over the next couple of weeks.
- vole - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:15 pm:
Irony in that the power black Tahoe helped to bring him down. Do politicians do any other colors than black to propel them down the hard road? The money road. The glory road. Pot hole nation.
- MrJM - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:15 pm:
“Why stay till 31st? What’s the benefit?”
On the 30th, the office gets its orders for Girl Scout cookies delivered.
– MrJM
- DizzyCow - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:17 pm:
MrJM-
Man and I thought office was late
#MovingAtTheSpeedOfGovt
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:17 pm:
- Walter Mitty -,
The irony is Schock should’ve gotten better advice way before. Now it’s a free for all.
- IrishPirate -,
If you admit it, then you own it, so you can press on with your conscious as your guide.
To the Post,
Probably be 5, maybe 6 running in the Special. LaHood’s statement was ambiguous enough to see what he may be thinking.
- Qui Tam - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:17 pm:
“…was becoming increasingly embarrassing to House Republicans who have other problems…”
This should be reported as breaking news bigger than the Schock story!
Embarrassment for these clowns would be a first.
- Kanders - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:17 pm:
- Team Sleep - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 2:18 pm:
Barickman is indeed in Schock’s district.
- Team Sleep - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:18 pm:
Speaker Boehner’s reaction is not surprising. Speaker Boehner has been pushing Congressman Schock up the ladder since the GOP took over the U.S. House in November 2010. If the reports are true - that Schock notified neither Congressional leadership or even his own staff - then I think he deserves the cold shoulder.
- A guy - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:18 pm:
- Wordslinger - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:11 pm:
Props to Lahood and Davis for at least saying Schock’s name and saying something decent about him.
Rauner and Schneider couldn’t manage that for some reason. Hhmm.===
Agreed.
- IrishPirate - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:19 pm:
60 year retired Congressman John Dingell weights in
John DingellVerified account @JohnDingell
Aaron who? I don’t use Instagram
https://twitter.com/JohnDingell/status/577899809916493824
- Jimmy CrackCorn - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:21 pm:
==I suspect that the 3/31 effective date gets Schock another payday and a little more time before he has to buy health insurance.==
Luckily, the Affordable Care Act which Schock opposed has a provision for qualifying events (e.g. losing your job) after the open enrollment period has passed.
- Team Sleep - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:22 pm:
Kanders - I believe you are correct. For some reason I was under the impression that IL-13 cut into Bloomington more than it does.
- Nearly Normal - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:24 pm:
Former IL Rep Chair Pat Brady on WGN stated that he thinks a lot of the OR was coming from someone inside of Schock’s office. Maybe someone who left when they realized what was going on. At any rate there were people who wanted that info and knew how to cast it out to the media for the best effect.
- bored now - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:24 pm:
i’m going to be very interested in seeing when this is scheduled. an open seat where no one has to give up their existing posts means that quite a few state legislators could be interested — although the election would be in the middle of when they might have to be taking votes on the state budget. i don’t care what rauner has promised people, none of them (running) are going to go out on a limb in the middle of a special election…
- Soccermom - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:25 pm:
Word — you are absolutely right.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:25 pm:
===coming from someone inside of Schock’s office===
There’s only one office insider diabolical and smart enough to pull that off. And that guy is solid for Schock.
- Wordslinger - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:25 pm:
– Nothing yet from Mark Kirk –
Sen. Kirk, let me help you.
Just write down what you really feel about this situation.
Then, re-write it, “opposite-style.”
Be sure to tear up the original.
- anonin' - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:27 pm:
No CommandoMakeITUp or Roskam yet
Does the Senate get the Peoria alderman who said last week the GA was picking on the ISHA?
- ThatGirl - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:31 pm:
Can’t say this is very “Schocking”
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:33 pm:
This is a “Chicken Soup” moment for Schock, and even his Staff and Crew.
This is also a time to see which public officials have some class, and which tweet that they take no pleasure, but rip him anyway.
These are the character moments.
- DuPage - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:33 pm:
I wonder if whoever took down Schock were on Rauner’s payroll, or is Rauner next on their list?
- Walter Mitty - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:35 pm:
I think it’s smart Kirk has not said anything… Durbin was the only one to release a statement worthy of releasing… Gang, he got caught with his hand in the cookie jar… Saying how great of a guy he is is not true… It was our money.
- one of the 35 - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:36 pm:
The informant must have had knowledge of the questionable lending and real estate transactions, as well as having inside knowledge of the expense deductions claimed. An accountant or tax preparer perhaps?
- Walter Mitty - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:37 pm:
OW… Class is not saying anything untrue as well… I will have more respect for Kirk if his statement mirrors Durbin or nothing at all. Anything like the others that talk about how he cared about constituents has been proven a lie…
- No Comment - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:43 pm:
I’m sure someone has already said this amid the 200 or so comments here, but anyone who says that this is a sad day or that they appreciate Schock’s service or anything other than good riddance or no comment needs to have their head examined. Face facts: He was a disgrace to Congress, a disgrace to honest politicians (yes, there are a few) and a disgrace to his constituents. And if he’s smart, he’s now shopping for a criminal defense lawyer.
Schock has no more right to sympathy than Nixon did.
- Louis Howe - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:43 pm:
Schock was a loose cannon from the start. Cock sure about his abilities, with little to no actual experience to back it up.
He became more and more ridiculous the higher up he rose politically. In 2014, he polled of most general votes of any Illinois Congressman. What does that say about central Illinois voters??? What does that say about the DCCC and central Illinois Democrats?
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:44 pm:
- Walter Mitty -
With respect.
Today, you don’t kick him while he’s down if you’re a colleague. Mistakes are evident, but piling on, ok, you get to take a shot, but why?
Say one thing “nice”, wish him “well” move on.
All good, each their own.
- Mouthy - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:47 pm:
This reminds me of when Attorney General Scott was outed by his ex-wife about the safety deposit box in that it may be some sort of jilted lover’s scorn. That’s my guess because it looks like revenge to me.
- Walter Mitty - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:48 pm:
OW… I agree no shots need to be taken… At all. Those that do, show their class. I also think, there is respect in saying nothing as it’s clear he has done wrong by his constituents. You are correct, no need for shots by some of the folks. But saying how great he is, doesn’t show respect for his constituents he fleeced. As always, you are the best!
- No Comment - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:51 pm:
==Today, you don’t kick him while he’s down if you’re a colleague. Mistakes are evident, but piling on, ok, you get to take a shot, but why?==
Why? Because Schock doesn’t deserve anything nice to be said about him. This “sad day” and “he’s a friend” stuff is insulting to the public that pays the bills. That’s why.
At some point, and Schock has more than reached that point, you should become a pariah. This “it’s a sad day” stuff is part of the reason why the public has become so cynical about politicians and government.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:55 pm:
- No Comment -,
Sometimes…doing the right thing…is more about you than the person you are showing Grace to.
(Tips cap to - WM -)
- Tommydanger - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:56 pm:
Very sad.
Especially so because it was self-induced and he squandered the talents and skill sets he possessed that could have made for a very productive public service career.
This wasn’t a case of a momentary lapse in moral judgment brought about by a night of too much alcohol. It was a series(never ending?) of individual lapses in moral judgments which adds up to a serious character flaw which most of us did not see coming.
Thumbs up to his willingness to serve and for his work on behalf of his constituents. Thumbs down to everything else.
- black eye - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:57 pm:
#RepSandackyoudon’thavetotweetabouteverythingandmaybesometimesitisareallybadidea
- Team Sleep - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:58 pm:
No Comment - so our elected officials can’t or shouldn’t show their human side?! That looks just as bad as not saying anything. Congressman Schock has been in office long enough to build friendships and work with the delegation. God forbid someone who served with him would say something nice about a fellow elected official. Are they just supposed to write a scathing release or hold a press conference and say, “I’m glad that guy’s gone!” I would expect more from our elected officials, and gloating or adding fuel to the fire doesn’t help anyone.
- skeptic - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:59 pm:
“What does that say about central Illinois voters???” It says they’re deep dark red, that’s all.
- anonin' - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 4:01 pm:
Apparently family already working on transition
Dayne Michael LaHood, Congressional Staffer - Salary Data
- Dizzy cow - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 4:04 pm:
Who is next on rauner’s hit list?
- Robert the Bruce - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 4:04 pm:
==“Why stay till 31st? What’s the benefit?”==
Great question. The NCAA Final Four isn’t until April 4-6; why didn’t he go with three weeks notice so he could attend on taxpayer dime with donor-provided transport?
- Ginhouse Tommy - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 4:07 pm:
I knew that after all this started to break that his career as a politician was over. There was just too much and it kept getting bigger. I guess that if he had any kind of conscience, he didn’t use it. Power can go to your head. It’s too bad because he seem to have a bright future in the party.
- Just asking... - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 4:10 pm:
I wonder, since Schock was a leading national fundraiser for the GOP, does this mean some possibly-tainted political contribution dollars from his fundraising/events will be returned/donated to charity by the long list of recipients?
- Nick Naylor - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 4:12 pm:
I suspect Sen. LaHood will want to jump out early. Watch for an announcement as early as tomorrow that Darin LaHood is running for the spot.
- A Citizen - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 4:12 pm:
Thank goodness for OW - he only posts what he thinks he should be thought thinking. Way to go will, keep it classy.
- Norseman - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 4:15 pm:
=== Rauner finally got what he wanted. He’s poppin’ those champagne corks in Springfield tonite! ===
This may come as a shock to some, but I’m not a fan of Rauner. However, I don’t lay Schock’s demise on his doorstep. This goes beyond dirty tricks or aggressive opposition research. These are real acts that cross the line. If they didn’t, Schock would still be fighting. Like with so many of our elected officials this is egotistical power-driven hubris gone amok.
- No Comment - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 4:16 pm:
Team Sleep at 3:58:
Of course our elected officials should show their human side. But the statements from folks like Rodney Davis are empty ones that serve no purpose but to make an already cynical public even more cynical.
If Davis and others who are saying similar things about Schock today really cared about him, they would have sat him down a long, long time ago for an intervention, told him in no uncertain terms that his behavior and his Instagram account and his profound, for lack of a better word, arrogance was going to hurt him and hurt him badly. They didn’t do that. Instead, they were happy to take the money that he helped raise while the band played on.
This just my opinion, of course, and you are entitled to yours, as everyone is. I’m not necessarily saying that he should be beaten while he’s down, but I am saying that no one should pretend that this is a sad day. I don’t think that it’s a sad day when something happens to someone that they brought on themselves. I think that’s chickens roosting.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 4:19 pm:
===Of course our elected officials should show their human side. But the statements from folks like Rodney Davis are empty ones that serve no purpose but to make an already cynical public even more cynical.===
Again, sometimes showing Grace to a friend, albeit publicly, is just that.
We don’t know, maybe they did try to sit him but it was too late(?)
To each their own.
- JS Mill - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 4:21 pm:
@ ArchPundit - I was not making my earlier statement in support of Schock, just the reality that IF the mileage issue was the only issue it would be very unlikely that it would end with Federal prison. Was/is it a crime? Of course, but probably not going to end up being prosecuted on its own.
Locally, he received 75% of the vote and is still highly regarded. I think that is crazy but it is still a fact. Short of a conviction, no one locally was going to oust him. Based on the blogs in the local paper and interviews on TV, basically people were deflecting blame. I guess it is tough to accept that “one of your own” did something wrong.
All moot now that he resigned. I am guessing that there is more to come.
- ArchPundit - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 4:24 pm:
===@ ArchPundit - I was not making my earlier statement in support of Schock, just the reality that IF the mileage issue was the only issue it would be very unlikely that it would end with Federal prison. Was/is it a crime? Of course, but probably not going to end up being prosecuted on its own.
I would strongly disagree with you. A couple thousand in bad reporting might not get you prison. $45,000 and you go to the crowbar hotel.
- Team Sleep - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 4:26 pm:
No - I actually took Rodney Davis’s comments as fairly middle-of-the-road. Rodney was Congressman Shimkus’s political person for over a dozen years and worked for the RNC when Congressmen Schock and Shimkus led the 2010 charge to “retake” the delegation. I would bet they are friends and, since they represented districts that abut one another, I would guess they worked on a lot of district-centric issues.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 4:32 pm:
Oh, - A Citizen -, you seem to be able to think for yourself.
I’ll leave you to it.
- No Comment - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 4:34 pm:
Team Sleep at 4:26:
I think that Boehner’s remarks were appropriate–he didn’t kick Schock but rather said, essentially, let’s move on. Rauner’s was among those that was not. I do not think that this is a sad day for the people who live in the 18th district or for the people of Illinois. Quite the opposite. Really a tone-deaf thing for the governor to say, I think.
- Take your pick - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 4:37 pm:
At least now everyone can take their pick of personal political bias: “I (can’t believe/am not surprised) that another (Democrat/Republican) politician from (Chicago/The Burbs/Downstate) is facing (ethics/legal/morals) questions for misuse of (funds/office/power/ego).”
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 4:38 pm:
1. Schock did get what he deserved, but he is getting closer.
2. There is no residency requirement.
3. I doubt many Congressional Republicans will be getting behind LaHood’s son. Besides, he is just >tooclose
- skeptic - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 4:43 pm:
Take Your Pick: Resignation Mad Libs? Or maybe Bingo? Could go either way!
- Precinct Captain - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 4:57 pm:
==- Biker - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:02 pm:==
The old guard won? Does that make the “old guard” the paragons of ethics and service?
==- Wordslinger - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:15 pm:==
I’m sure Mr. Schock will be negotiating directly and individually with health insurance providers, not using any website that helps people sort through and compare plans from different providers.
==- Louis Howe - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:43 pm:==
It says a lot of Central IL GOP voters came out. There are many total votes for congressional districts in IL last year that are around or only slightly higher than Schock’s total votes.
- Politix - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 4:59 pm:
I don’t think he could see himself moving in from this - behaving like an ordinary public servant - no globetrotting, no festival season, no carefree high rollin. He realized it and he quit. I doubt he even realized that he could be in trouble. Up til today he was blaming the media, jealousy, etc. so what changed?
- Sunshine - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 4:59 pm:
Appears that honesty and integrity succumbed to ‘Lets Party’ followed eventually by ‘Resignation’. Next…..!
- Nick Naylor - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 5:01 pm:
= I doubt many Congressional Republicans will be getting behind LaHood’s son.=
First, it’s a special election so their opinions don’t matter and they don’t have a say.
Second, Ray LaHood is a widely known and respected person in the district.
Third, Sen. LaHood is well known in the district and should be the front-runner when he throws his hat in the ring tomorrow.
Fourth, anything else is just conjecture.
- Jake From Elwood - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 5:02 pm:
Miss a little Capitol Fax, miss a lot.
Just learned of this.
Is this going to follow the JJJ template?
In any event, Schockgate will continue.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 5:05 pm:
Naylor is correct. The guy has huge name ID. He probably takes this in a walk.
- Pius - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 5:05 pm:
From the News-Gazette: Updated: Barickman, others interested in Schock’s district
- Mama - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 5:08 pm:
++- SAP - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 1:24 pm:
Does Rauner appoint the replacement?++ To find the answer to your question, re-read the articles Rich posted above.
- Tin Foil - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 5:18 pm:
Is reporting so bad these days that the only plausible way for a reporter, using publicly available records, to write about a politician with ethical issues is to have it “leaked” by some operative?
Have any of you folks done OR? This is fairly basic stuff. The shocking story here is how reckless Schock has been. He’s left a lot of trails that were easy to follow up on.
This has been fairly simple stuff. Perhaps it got goosed by Rauner or Roskam or Durbin. But I tend to go with the guy who wrote the downton abbey story in DC. One of the hundreds of people who walked through the office called him. I know that’s not as exciting as Deep Throat, but makes sense to me.
- donone101 - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 5:30 pm:
How is it we don’t know about these character flaws before they get elected to high office? Is it possible they led completely moral and ethical lives until they land in Washington? Hmmm,
- skeptic - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 5:37 pm:
==- Louis Howe - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:43 pm:==
It also means that this district has been R for so long (Schock, Ray LaHood before him and Bob Michael for 38 years before that) that the Ds didn’t even bother with a credible opponent.
- anon - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 5:41 pm:
“The future of the GOP,” indeed!
- GraduatedCollegeStudent - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 5:42 pm:
=====- Louis Howe - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 3:43 pm:==
It also means that this district has been R for so long (Schock, Ray LaHood before him and Bob Michael for 38 years before that) that the Ds didn’t even bother with a credible opponent. ===
38 years? 1914 was the last time that part of the state sent a Democrat to Congress.
- Excessively Rabid - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 5:53 pm:
I had thought that Illinois could benefit from a strong third party. Hadn’t counted on it being the Narcissists.
- skeptic - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 6:17 pm:
Grad: Well, 38+ years ago I hardly knew that Illinois existed.
- Wordslinger - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 6:29 pm:
No comment, comparing Schock to Nixon might be a tad bit overblown, you think?
- Streator Curmudgeon - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 7:25 pm:
This reminds me of drivers rubber-necking at a fatal traffic accident at the side of the Interstate: a mixture of horror, fear, fascination, satisfaction, and relief that it wasn’t them.
- Minnow - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 8:23 pm:
“But again, thinking that you are smarter than you really are or that the rules don’t apply is a conceit of the young.”
With respect; I don’t think that character flaw is limited to the young.
- jvcrobin - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 8:59 pm:
Is anyone making sure the former congressman pays back the money he stole from the taxpayers…..with interest!
- muon - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 9:07 pm:
The 18th district is not primarily a Peoria district anymore. After the remap it lost the core of the city of Peopris. It picked up most of McLean, a lot more of Sangamon and more of western Illinois including Macomb and Quincy. Over half of the district’s population is south of Tazewell to Springfield and then west to the Mississippi.
- muon - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 9:09 pm:
Pardon the typo spelling Peoria above.
- Stoic the Vast - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 10:13 pm:
Did Kirk ever issue a statement about Schock’s resignation?
- Truthteller - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 10:32 pm:
Justice has been served. Another bad actor in Illinois government is gone. He will one day be imprisoned for his deeds.
- Smitha8 - Wednesday, Mar 18, 15 @ 12:07 am:
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- Wait A Illinois Minute - Wednesday, Mar 18, 15 @ 5:28 am:
It was only a matter of time. Once again the “el rauner party” just showed us that it is only a front. Here we go again with corrupt republicans and the party of none.
- BlameBruceRauner - Wednesday, Mar 18, 15 @ 8:29 am:
C-yah-wouldn’t-want-2-b-yah. I’m sure his rockstar life was a blur, hope it was worth it……Say hi to Rod for all us tax payers.