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* A whole bunch of people sent me a link to this WaPo story about Congressman Aaron Schock’s newly renovated DC office…
Bright red walls. A gold-colored wall sconce with black candles. A Federal-style bull’s-eye mirror with an eagle perched on top. And this is just the Illinois Republican’s outer office.
“It’s actually based off of the red room in ‘Downton Abbey,’ ” said the woman behind the front desk, comparing it to the luxurious set piece at the heart of the British period drama. […]
She introduced herself as Annie Brahler, the interior decorator whose company is called Euro Trash. She guided me to Schock’s private office, revealing another dramatic red room. This one with a drippy crystal chandelier, a table propped up by two eagles, a bust of Abraham Lincoln and massive arrangements of pheasant feathers.
Then, my phone rang.
It was Schock’s communications director, Benjamin Cole.
“Are you taking pictures of the office?” he asked. “Who told you you could do that? . . . Okay, stay where you are. You’ve created a bit of a crisis in the office.”
What? They thought nobody would find out? It’s a public office, for crying out loud. I mean, yeah, some of it was donated by the designer and Schock paid for the rest, but it’s still in the Rayburn Building.
* A pic…
You really should go read the whole thing.
*** UPDATE *** Uh-Oh…
House rules prohibit Members of Congress from accepting most gifts valued at $50 or more — including “gifts of services, training, transportation, lodging, and meals, whether provided in kind, by purchase of a ticket, payment in advance, or reimbursement after the expense has been incurred.”
Stephen Spaulding, policy counsel for the non-partisan Common Cause, told ThinkProgress that this donation of services from a professional decorator could well violate both the spirit and letter of the House gift rules: “It certainly raises plenty of questions that I think [Schock] needs to answer.”
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 9:52 am
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This is the funniest thing I have read in a long time. Amazing.
Comment by Formerly Known As... Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 9:55 am
That’s just….odd. Why are they so defensive about the whole thing?
Comment by Anonymoiis Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 9:55 am
Strange. Both the decor and the defensiveness.
I hear some of the more combative GOP members are now going for a Game of Thrones look with their offices.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 9:56 am
Of course they are defensive. Taxpayers are broke and this is how he decorates his office? Sick on all levels.
Comment by Electro-Convulsive Therapy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 9:59 am
His old office was blue and had the same theme and look. He had a photo of it on his Christmas card last year, so it clearly isn’t much of a secret. Aaron has more style than anyone I (or you) probably know. For better or worse, that is who he is. I enjoy the fact that he pushes convention.
Comment by Sangamon GOP Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:00 am
The comment section on WaPo is a must read.
Comment by Sun Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:00 am
So proud. He’s all about style. Now the substance thing…
Comment by Pot calling kettle Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:00 am
if i remember correctly its illegal to take pictures in a congressman’s office unless you live in that district or work for the member. I think that’s why the staffer was getting angry.
Comment by anon Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:01 am
I fail to comprehend the kerfuffle, looks just like me mate’s granny’s flat in sussex it does.
Comment by Matt Belcher Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:01 am
He’s young, has six-pack abs that landed him on the cover of Men’s Health and is a prodigious fundraiser. He’s also one of the most media-savvy members of Congress, with an Instagram feed that features him surfing, hiking across glaciers, tangoing on the streets of Buenos Aires and smiling next to duck-faced pop star Ariana Grande.
Duck-faced?
What kind of news is this anyway? US Weekly? International Globe? People? Pop Stars Today?
The entire article drops pop cultural references like an article in Tiger Beat.
What crap. I am no Schock fan, but this stuff is stupid.
Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:01 am
==Taxpayers are broke and this is how he decorates his office? Sick on all levels.==
If they’re telling the truth and the “taxpayers” didn’t pay anything for this, then that’s a dopey argument and reason to be defensive.
Comment by Anonymoiis Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:01 am
As Chick Todd said, “You know it’s summer in Washington when Congressman Schock isn’t wearing socks with his suit”!
Comment by Sangamon GOP Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:02 am
Chuck Todd…sorry
Comment by Sangamon GOP Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:02 am
Very, very odd. Also, why on earth would someone name their design company “Euro Trash”?
Comment by jogger Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:03 am
The guy conservative businessmen love to embrace and send their money to. Interesting formula for success.
Comment by Tim Snopes Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:05 am
A scandal involving Downton Abbey? How delightfully Schocking!
Comment by David's Blanket Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:05 am
Pheasant feathers? Really?
Comment by archiesmom Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:06 am
Can you imagine if he had the opportunity to get possession of the Governor’s Mansion? Opulence and no socks allowed?
Comment by Tim Snopes Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:07 am
Cool. Now how do I get some free decorating again? I must have missed that part.
Comment by P. Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:08 am
Wow. Just way over the top.
Comment by Langhorne Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:08 am
Gotta eat it.
Gotta own it.
The coverup, or in this case the stopping of the reveal, is worse than …the decor.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:09 am
I guess it is best I am not in congress because my office would look like the inside of the TARDIS
Comment by OneMan Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:09 am
==Cool. Now how do I get some free decorating again? I must have missed that part.==
You say to the decorator that you’ll have a photojournalist come take some pictures, then make it into a big controversy so everyone knows who the decorator was. Free advertising for free decorating.
Comment by Anonymoiis Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:12 am
Very odd, why not say many members of Congress decorate their offices and I believe that is ok as long as it comes out of their pockets. Then give the guy a tour. No story worth posting comes from that.
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:13 am
Crisis? Good grief. You don’t expect anyone to see how a public office is decorated?
Comment by I-72 Blues Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:13 am
Red is my favorite color, too, Aaron.
Comment by Responsa Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:14 am
“For an working office decor - meh, a ‘6′. For a working movie set - ‘9′…”
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:16 am
Another example of the Streisand effect.
Comment by quicknote Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:16 am
Is it legal for a congressman to accept free design services for a government office? I wouldn’t think so.
When he starts calling staffers footmen it’s time to call the guys in the white coats.
Comment by too obvious Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:19 am
Ahh, the good ol’ streisand effect.
Comment by Overpaid State Worker Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:19 am
==OPTICS MATTER.==
Tell me, which “optics” are worse: having a decorated office in DC, which you could presumably prove that you paid for out of pocket….or throwing a “fit” and creating a story that makes your office look like a bad reality show on HGTV hosted by a congressman with a flamboyant reputation?. Or maybe it’s the style of decoration he’s worried about the public knowing about? The whole reaction to what should be a non story is just…odd.
Comment by Anonymoiis Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:20 am
The photo from the reception area is pretty tasteful, actually.
But “crystal chandelier” and “massive arrangements of pheasant feathers?” Oh my. In a working office of a public building?
Where do these folks get the idea that they are nobility? If they are embarrassed to have the public see the decorations, why have a public office?
Comment by walker Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:22 am
Me thinks he doth protest too much.
Comment by Well then Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:23 am
Who cares about stuff like this!? People, find more serious issues to vent about.
Comment by Formerpol Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:25 am
The Congressman will now likely remodel his office to resemble the home of Ron Swanson from Parks and Recreation. This would be in line with other Team Schock reactions to these types of stories (Aaron by the pool with the woman over his shoulder comes to mind).
Comment by Hank Scorpio Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:25 am
“Rep. Schock? It’s Diana Rauner. I’d like to pick your brain about the governor’s mansion….”
In all the weeks of planning and work that went into this, did no one, once, raise the question of how it would look, politically? Bizarre.
Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:28 am
“Exercising humility is important to me.”
Aaron Schock, Huffington Post. December 16, 2010.
LOL!!!!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/natalia-lopatniuk-brzezinski/rep-aaron-schock-talks-po_b_797738.html
Comment by Sangamo Sam Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:29 am
Sun…Thx for WaPo comments point out…the comments are hilarious….
Comment by Are Ya Kiddin' Me? Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:30 am
Is anyone who actually knows Aaron surprised? Really?
Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:31 am
With the Obamaesque free ride he gets from the media, I’m sure no one at all expected the question.
Comment by I-72 Blues Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:31 am
Not so sure the young man isn’t just getting the response he wants here. Seems like this office has just become a “must see” on the Capitol tour.
I bet the space in Peoria has less panache.
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:32 am
No one seems to have a problem with Obama’s white house rewrite. http://youtu.be/ThIf6B4HT9o
Comment by William j Kelly Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:38 am
Stranger Than Fiction…
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:38 am
This story has everyone seeing red.
Comment by Sir Reel Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:42 am
To Congressman Schock’s credit, at least he paid for this out of his own pocket.
When they decide to put up fancy chandeliers, bronzed doors and similar decorative props in Springfield, we pay for it.
Comment by Formerly Known As... Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:42 am
Oh for crying out loud! The biggest change is the paint color. Oh yeah, red doesn’t cover very well so it probably had to have 4 coats. Big deal!
Comment by One of the 35 Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:44 am
If he decides to “live” in the office and save money on outside rent, I see a canopy bed. lol. At least this guy’s fun.
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:44 am
Boy, the comment section at the WaPo is brutal. Somebody ought to tell Mr. Cole that the first rule when you’re in a hole is to stop digging.
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:48 am
“I guess it is best I am not in congress because my office would look like the inside of the TARDIS”
——————-
Second. All that gear I’d bring in, and they better have one giant pipe and have a fiber backbone. And power, plenty of juice. I’m sure they have to have some big time hosting capabilities in the area.
If you are going to operate from the Tardis, you got to be able to run the logistics.
Comment by Judgment Day Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:49 am
Everybody knows what this story is really about.
Comment by Marty Funkhouser Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:51 am
Jeez, Cole - settle down, girlfriend. That’s the worst thing to do if you’re a comm director from a journalist’s perspective. You just drew attention to an issue that wasn’t an issue before you drew attention to it.
Comment by Tony Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:53 am
Bet he personally pays for the turpentine.
Comment by And I Approved This Message Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:57 am
Just Schocking!
Comment by Tommydanger Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:59 am
To the update: I think the “Decorator” has been more than adequately compensated in extensive earned media here. But, for the sake of the country, get a bill and just pay it. But wait a day. More earned media.
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:59 am
Congressman Schock,
Have the decorator bill you, pay the bill.
You gotta eat it, gotta own it…
Gut to…pay…for it. In more than one way.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 11:01 am
VanillaMan,
“Duck-faced? What kind of news is this anyway?”
‘Duck face’ refers to a facial expression, like smiling or frowning, rather than her general appearance.
Comment by Shark Sandwich Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 11:06 am
Just another example of who Schock is. A do-nothing schmoozer, far more style than substance, more marketer than policymaker.
Comment by Mittuns Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 11:13 am
I daresay, the good Congressman is doing a major facepalm right about now.
Comment by Aldyth Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 11:15 am
As a resident of Belvidere,Illinois, I can tell you that’s Illinois politics. They have their heads so far up their butts, their breath smells like Preparation H.
Wow… I stopped reading the comments after 5… and ran into this gem… Why continue? Not good, Mr. GoodLooking.
Comment by Walter Mitty Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 11:15 am
All superficialities aside, the turnover in Schock’s operation is showing.
Comment by Team Sleep Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 11:17 am
I think — according to WaPo comments — there is a provision in the ethics rules that allows for citizens of your state to donate something for “promotional purposes.” I’d say she got that.
Comment by Loopholed Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 11:19 am
At least Schock didn’t do what Governor Deval Patrick did in Boston: $11,300,000 on his “museum quality” office, with “bunker”.
http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/08/massachusetts_governors_office.html
Comment by Sangamon GOP Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 11:19 am
===A whole bunch of people sent me a link to this WaPo story===
How many of them are working for Governor Rauner?
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 11:26 am
I will make sure I see my congressman’s office the next time I am in DC. There is always a lot of people waiting to see him. Will this be on the official tour now?
Comment by Nearly Normal Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 11:31 am
==At least Schock didn’t do what Governor Deval Patrick did in Boston: $11,300,000 on his “museum quality” office, with “bunker”.==
*sigh*
Yet another member of the “yeah, but” crowd.
Victims abound.
Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 11:35 am
The only Schocking (sic) thing here is Schock needed an interior designer.
Comment by Zeitgeist Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 11:38 am
==At least Schock didn’t do what Governor Deval Patrick did in Boston: $11,300,000 on his “museum quality” office, with “bunker”.==
False equivalence alert. Respectfully, one IS a working office in Rayburn and the other is part of a circa 1798 three story historical tourist attraction, now handicap accessible. (They have a lovely oil-on-canvas portrait of Governor Romney there as well.)
Comment by Matt Belcher Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 11:40 am
I can’t believe this has found its way to my feeds three times since last night. This is such a non-story, and I’m saying that as someone predisposed to not like the guy.
That being said, the defensiveness is really weird.
Comment by Jakita Wagner Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 11:42 am
Everything about this is hilarious…
“Washington has always been more “Veep” than “House of Cards.””
~Ben Tarris, WaPo
I’m pretty sure that applies to Springfield as well.
Comment by COPN Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 11:44 am
Jakita the defensiveness is not weird.
It’s the decorating that dare not speak its name.
Young Aaron needs someone in that office who can speak to him and tell him how things are going to appear because there seems to be a bit of battle going on between Aaron’s need for red paint and his desire to hide said paint.
Comment by Irishpirate Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 11:46 am
I want to see a story on Bost’s office décor. Not sure it would good to feature the office duck blind and coon hound cages though.
Comment by Give Me A Break Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 11:51 am
WOW—limits of donation—kind of basic political fundraising? Maybe he needs a bit of investigation into more of his fundraising and spending?
His staff should have put a stop on the decor spending if he couldn’t figure it out himself. Red walls are so horrid to cover…I have some experience in that matter.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 11:51 am
when they say his feathers got ruffled it can really happen!
Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 12:01 pm
==I guess it is best I am not in congress because my office would look like the inside of the TARDIS ==
Rich, this could be a fun QOTD: “How would you decorate your Congressional office?”
Personally, I think I’d go with the Starship Enterprise, complete with sliding doors and uniforms for the staff. (I bet no one would want to wear a red one!)
Comment by Pot calling kettle Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 12:02 pm
Schock’s Schlock Shocks Flock
Comment by Educated in the Suburbs Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 12:07 pm
Here’s why I don’t think he broke ethics rules. He does not get to keep the office. In theory, the taxpayers “benefit” from the free interior decorating.
Comment by Just Observing Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 12:08 pm
C’mon, you don’t paint your walls red and put sconces up with black candles because you don’t want to get noticed. Mission complete. Even better than expected.
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 12:09 pm
1) This is hideous
2) We all know why this is a story
3) What the hell were they thinking throughout this process. “Hey, I’ve got a fabulous idea. Let’s do our office so over the top it will be the grandest in all of Congress. But let’s not tell anybody lest we get accused of excess…
Oy.
Oh, and one more thing….YUCK.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 12:10 pm
Guy, where do you see that Schocks people are pleased with the reaction?
You are immune to information, aren’t you?
Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 12:14 pm
I didn’t know Schock hailed from a red-light district.
Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 12:18 pm
Hee, this is a fun one.
I just reviewed the House Ethics Manual on gifts, and they might have to add a new paragraph after this one. They cover a lot of scenarios; “accept an offer to repaint your House office” is not one of them.
Oddly what this looks to me most like is that the letter of the gifts ban was most likely violated, but -not- the spirit. I mean, I don’t think Schock probably now owes a big implicit favor to Euro Trash.
There was an easy step here involved, though. What Shock needed to do was get a finding from the House Standards of Official Conduct committee, that this was permissible. Maybe they would have OK’d it. Somehow I’m betting his office didn’t take that step.
Comment by ZC Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 12:18 pm
“Schock’s Schlock Shocks Flock.”
I think “Variety” wants to sign you as a copy editor. Well done.
Reminiscent of the old headline for a story on how rural movie goers weren’t interested in movies about rural life:
“Sticks Nix Hick Flicks”
Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 12:19 pm
Oswego Willie - but you had that same answer about movie sets on the previous CF discussion re: Rauner and AFSCME. I didn’t understand it there but here I do.
Comment by Fr. Murphy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 12:19 pm
===Wordslinger - Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 12:14 pm:
Guy, where do you see that Schocks people are pleased with the reaction? You are immune to information, aren’t you?===
You’re right Sling. “It’s all so unexpected and coming out of nowhere”. They’re shocked over there, completely and utterly…
And yes, I’m declaring my immunity. Decorative, not Diplomatic.
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 12:23 pm
It seems like an odd over reaction on a slow news day. Maybe his staff is still smarting over the stuff said about him when he was exiting the Govs race primary.
Comment by Annon3 Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 12:25 pm
===on a slow news day===
Meh. It was in the Style section.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 12:26 pm
- Fr. Murphy -
I was toggling back and forth between two posts and inadvertently posted the snark first to the wrong post.
If you have penance for me, please be gentle,… and my spelling has been really bad too the last couple weeks, since I’m confessing…
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 12:28 pm
Oswego Willy - Your penance is 3 Our Fathers, 3 Hail Mary’s and vow to edit posts….3 times. Go in peace and sin no more!
Comment by Fr. Murphy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 12:33 pm
- Fr. Murphy -
I’ll include an Act of Contrition too.
Thank you.
To the Post,
It can be a slow news day, a Saturday, or even enjoying the new office with a delicious Sundae…
The Schock Crew believed this renovation would go unnoticed? That is the first big fail.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 12:41 pm
I would have gone with Farrow and Ball. Subtler.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/downton-abbey/10225839/Downton-Abbey-paint-a-shade-too-far-in-the-rush-for-vintage-chic.html
Comment by Soccermom Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 12:47 pm
I mean, note the deeper tones of the Rectory Red.
http://us.farrow-ball.com/a-royal-redecoration/content/fcp-content
Comment by Soccermom Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 12:50 pm
Wait, I thought Marsala was the color of 2015?
http://www.pantone.com/pages/index.aspx?pg=21163&
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 12:55 pm
Liviing on Lord Grantham’s level of wealth while Illinois suffers on a “Footmans” purse!
Only from Illinois could this level of arrogance occur.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 12:56 pm
The man wore a blue suit to Rauner’s inauguration. I would not expect him to settle for a beige office.
Comment by just another guy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 12:58 pm
I hear he’s a decent rep, though to tell the truth I think his judgment on where and when to flash his particular flair is a little lacking; To my mind you can’t be both the straight laced conservative by day and the more colorful opposite by night. Such a house divided ‘cannot long stand’….
Comment by PatrickinCary Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 12:59 pm
You are all so rude! He is young and attractive. You don’t meet celebrities with beige… It’s a fact. Hmm… That may fit on a bumper sticker for his future campaign… Anyone have a number to his campaign manager…asking for a friend…
Comment by Walter Mitty Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 1:02 pm
Twenty minutes with all my kids in those rooms and they won’t look so fabulous anymore.
Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 1:05 pm
I know many Republican politicians want to go back to the Gilded Age of Robber Barons, but geesh, this is a bit too much!
Comment by G'Kar Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 1:08 pm
How could a guy from Peoria have taste like this?
Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 1:10 pm
Austerity for thee, but not for me.
– MrJM
Comment by MrJM Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 1:13 pm
Man, those are some mean spirited comments on the WP article. I think we should all be congratulated here at Cap Fax for our civility and our manners.
Comment by paddyrollingstone Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 1:16 pm
Schock voted to cut public funding of PBS. That’s about all I got to say about Abbey Downton.
Comment by vole Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 1:16 pm
‘Duck face’ refers to a facial expression, like smiling or frowning, rather than her general appearance.
OH DUCK faced!
Sorry, it wasn’t as nasty as my dyslexia imagined it to be.
Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 1:18 pm
-===Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 12:41 pm:
- Fr. Murphy -
I’ll include an Act of Contrition too.
Thank you.====
Kudos for recognizing that you got off too easy! lol.
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 1:24 pm
Apparently Lord Schock and his decorator are unclear on the concept of “picture rail.”
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 1:29 pm
- A Guy -
Luke 6:29
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 1:30 pm
= I guess it is best I am not in congress because my office would look like the inside of the TARDIS =
Yes, One Man, but which Doctor’s TARDIS?
Comment by Archiesmom Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 1:55 pm
You critics are being rotten to decor.
Comment by Formerpol Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 1:59 pm
I would have gone with the motiff from the hotel in The Shining myself
Comment by Ghost Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 2:30 pm
If there were no more tax dollars (and maybe none) used in this than other members of Congress what in the Holy Blazes is this all about!
And if that’s all there is to it, I would be embarrassed to even mention it!
Comment by Federalist Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 2:42 pm
I think its called Bordello Red.
It is a congressman’s office so it is probably what his “contributors” expect when they visit.
Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 2:54 pm
===Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 1:30 pm:
- A Guy -
Luke 6:29===
Thanks friend for picking one I didn’t have to Google. Raised Catholic to date, we have some catching up to do on verses-lol. All in fun pal.
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 2:55 pm
Hope you guys don’t cause him to get a free paint job over this to change it back to Eggshell white.
That Red…it’s kinda growing on me.
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 2:57 pm
National and international press starting to have too much “fun’” at Schock’s expense, much of it the usual gay-baiting.
Guy, still think this was all part of the “plan” to get attention from Schock’s peeps? Think he was hoping to be compared to one of the “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” in the London papers?
Then “mission complete, even better then expected,” as you put it.
Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 3:07 pm
Luke 6:29===
What? The shirt comes off too?
Comment by Bigtwich Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 3:12 pm
Sling, not going to get dragged into the gay bating discussion.
To answer your question; Yes. I don’t think you go out there and decorate an office in this motif without knowing it will garner attention. Lots of it. It did. The dude has some flair. He’s not afraid of it. What do you think the response to the off color criticism is going to be in the next phase of this?
It’s his office for heaven’s sake, not a hide-out. Might be time for him to call that Treehouse guy to build a district office in some Peoria Oaks.
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 3:15 pm
Am I the only one who is thinking Benjamin or the staffer who let the guy wanting to do an interview into the office in the first place, is fired ?
Just a thought…I like the office I don’t really care if it was modeled after a PBS Show or someone infamous. It’s red because he’s Republican and…people…stop to realize something…
HE”S THE THIRD YOUNGEST MEMBER IN CONGRESS !
So something that’s trendy today will look like crap to those who enjoyed their trends of the 90s and tho the new trends set in the future.
So can we shut up about Schock’s new office….please.
Comment by Schock Girl Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 3:23 pm
===So can we shut up about Schock’s new office….please.===
Wrong tact.
@FakeCong.Schock - I wanted to model the office after Downton Abbey because someone already had a Charlie Brown office #Caricature
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 3:28 pm
@FakeCongSchock - Men’s Fitness, forgive me #AbbeyOverAbs
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 3:29 pm
@FakeCongSchock - Mirrors, no matter the shape or size make a room bigger #EgosToo
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 3:31 pm
@FakeCongSchock - tours are at request except at 3, which is high tea time #SorryBoston
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 3:33 pm
My first office years ago was in the phase of Neon Volkswagen Lime Green walls. The adjacent office had bright orange from the same deranged color palette. This passed for modern back then. Keep you awake! I swear you could actually smell those walls.
Comparably, the red is tame and rather soothing.
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 3:34 pm
@FakeCongSchock - I’m aware how it looks. Any real fan knows that the table selected wasn’t in season one #CheckYourDVR
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 3:35 pm
@FakeCongSchock - Downton Abbey is ratings gold back in the District #IfItPlaysInPeoria
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 3:38 pm
@FakeCongSchock - it was this, or the “Friends” Central Perk, k? #AaronWillBeThereForYou
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 3:40 pm
@FakeCongSchock - it was either this or Arnold’s from “Happy Days” #SitOnItNoSitOnThatCouch
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 3:46 pm
@FakeCongSchock - telling others to shut up is a great way for a light to shine brighter #DowntonAbbeyLightsToo
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 3:49 pm
@FakeCongSchock - I wasn’t trying to stop the press from showing the pictures, I just wanted to be in them first #LookAtMeDontLookAtTheOffice
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 3:53 pm
Yeah, Schock Girl, that tone isn’t a good way to get people to stop talking about it. Especially on here. You may as well post a YouTube video screaming for everyone to “Leave Schock alone!!”
Comment by Anonymoiis Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 3:55 pm
@FakeCongSchock - Office Hours are now Sundays 9 pm, Eastern, 8pm Central and Pacific #ReadyForPrimeTime
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 3:57 pm
@FakeCongSchock - I had the Ways and the Means to get this sweet office, I hopevits not too taxing to my reputation #CommitteeHumor
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 4:04 pm
@FakeCongSchock - instead of Casual Fridays, I plan on Fake British Accent Thursdays #PipPipCherrio
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 4:08 pm
@FakeCongSchock - let’s be fair, Barack gets to play “West Wing” day after day after day, no one complains! #AaronSorkinAaronSchock
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 4:10 pm
@FakeCongSchock - and Bruce is playing “This Old House” back in Illinois. Makes sense to me #SetsSetForDopiness
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 4:12 pm
Willy, any chance you could cut the dose in half next time?
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 4:15 pm
Telling others to “shut up” makes the optics stand out even more. Sometimes controlling how things go depends on how you react.
@FakeCongSchock - the only real problem I have is we have to wait a whole week before we find out what hapoens in the office next #NoBingeWork
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 4:21 pm
===Willy, any chance you could cut the dose in half next time?===
Well, I was done, but one for you - A Guy -
@FakeCongSchock - it was either this or the set of “The Office” but the other 434 members have that.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 4:23 pm
I’m sorry, this one is for me…
@FakeCongSchock - it was either this, or the bar on Tatooine in “Star Wars” #ThisIsNotTheCongressmanYoureLookingFor
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 4:46 pm
Anyone who thinks this is a silly, non-issue should ask Senator Loleta Didrickson.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 4:51 pm
@FakeCongSchock - the red walls match a pair of my Toms #theyrecomfytoo
Comment by lost in translation Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 4:52 pm
This guy can’t be straight.
Comment by Big Mouth Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 5:03 pm
==- Big Mouth - Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 5:03 pm:==
Go to hell.
Comment by Precinct Captain Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 5:05 pm
==@FakeCongSchock - it was either this or the set of “The Office” but the other 434 members have that.==
This one gets my vote. Good stuff, OW.
Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 5:29 pm
“Taxpayers pay thousands for Rep. Schock’s renovations”
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2015/02/03/schock-renovations-downton-abbey/22814807/
– MrJM
Comment by MrJM Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 5:39 pm
- Wensicia -,
Thanks.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 5:44 pm
==-Anonymoiis - Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 3:55 pm:==
go to hell for attacking Schock Girl
Just because she believes this story should have never gotten any light to it, doesn’t mean you should attack her personally. It just makes you look sleezy and prove you are a coward.
Comment by South Of I-80 Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 5:47 pm
It’s going to take at least 3 coats of Kilz to cover that stuff up!
Comment by Stones Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 5:53 pm
My word, you American peasants are so drab. When will you realize that a true aristocracy can’t be built without a few luxurious gifts.
Comment by Lady Grantham Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 5:59 pm
Lady Grantham happens to be American. If you watched Downton Abbey, you’d know this.
Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 6:10 pm
Lady Grantham being an American doesn’t necessarily preclude her from referring to others as American peasants.
Is red paint really that much more expensive than other colors? And is it really worth more than $50 for a decorator to say “I think these walls would look great in red”? And is that a guitar case, or a gun case in the corner?
Comment by Jeff Trigg Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 6:45 pm
Red paint pigments contain a certain amount of gold. If he does a good job representing his constituency, regardless of his taste that is what is important.
Comment by Macoupin Minority Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 7:08 pm
the most stuipd story, now who really cares what
he does with his office. Get a life people. I am sure state workers on state time making comments.
Comment by LookingBack Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 8:01 pm
@FakeCongSchock - I’m asking my staff to call me Lord Grantham from now on. #AristocracyIsFun
Comment by Pot calling kettle Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 8:02 pm
- LookingBack -,
Feel better?
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 8:03 pm
==Schock spent $79,061 on furniture purchases==
@FakeCongSchock - OK, but I saved money by having @DanRutherford redo the plumbing. #SawItOnFacebook
Comment by Pot calling kettle Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 8:06 pm
==Feel better?==
I would feel better if you posted more @FakeCongSchock tweets. It’s inspiring. LOL
@FakeCongSchock - No matter what nickname I use, the comments keep coming @WillyWontStop!
Comment by Pot calling kettle Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 8:15 pm
Very well … - Pot calling kettle -
Couple more
@FakeCongSchock - This was my second choice, to be honest. My first choice was to make the entire Capitol like the Hogwarts Castle, but Universal-Orlando beat me to it #NotAmused
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 8:25 pm
==Lady Grantham being an American doesn’t necessarily preclude her from referring to others as American peasants.==
I doubt it. Yet, it doesn’t preclude a certain wealthy, recently elected public official from thinking the same about state workers.
Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 8:31 pm
Lady Grantham would not refer to anyone as a peasant
There is no royalty in America, someone please tell West and Kardashian.
Comment by rilt Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 8:35 pm
@FakeCongSchock - Let’s see Lumburgh find my red stapler in this office setting #NotMovingToTheBasement
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 8:44 pm
This guy is worthless, his district is in economic upheaval and he’s worried about the color of his walls.
Comment by anon Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 8:48 pm
@FakeCongSchock - where did I mess up? Told her less “Gatsby” more “Downton Abbey”. My bad. #LiteratureIsClassier
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 8:49 pm
Yellow Dog Democrat - very impressed that you remembered Comptroller Didrickson’s red office in the Illinois Capitol. It was two stories tall and made quite the impact when someone walked in. The fireplace was pretty over the top, too.
Comment by Sangamon GOP Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 8:50 pm
@FakeCongSchock - for Halloween, I’ll dress up the place like an ordinary Congressional office #ThatsScary
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 8:51 pm
@Sangamon: Those who do not learn from history….of course, Congressman Schock would have been 12 at the time.
Here is what makes me laugh: Schock’s office chiding the WaPo reporter for not wanting to interview the Congressman about something more substantial.
HE iS A STYLE REPORTER.
What was Schock hoping for? A debate over something more substantial, like boxers v. Briefs or whether Red or Green is the new black?
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 9:05 pm
@FakeCongSchock - a colleague came by to see the space. They said “Winter is coming” and laughed. I don’t get it. #GameOfThrownForALoop
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 9:13 pm
@FakeCongSchock - I spend all this money for this Downton Abbey office and every time I enter everyone in unison says “Norm!” #CheersAaron
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 9:17 pm
Irony alert:
million dollar red
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 9:24 pm
How is that for a color match, Willy?
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 9:27 pm
- YDD -,
I’m green with envy you got that right.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 9:29 pm
@FakeCongSchock - People keep telling me I should have decorated the office like Rep. Frank Underwood. #IDontGetIt
Comment by Pot calling kettle Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 9:35 pm
@FakeCongSchock - the office will be closed until my staff secures their SAG cards to be “on set” #TheresNoBusinessLike…
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 9:38 pm
@FakeCongSchock - If you tilt back the head on the bronze bust, you can open a secret door! #ToTheBatcave
Comment by Pot calling kettle Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:12 pm
I bet that Schock was hoping that “million dollar red” was something he could confide to only his most intimate friends.
I have to say, I have to question his decision to go with the golden wheat paint for piping on the trim. That may have indeed been the design of the set, but gold leaf seems most appropriate.
If your are going to jump, go all in.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:23 pm
As a Staff and as a Crew helping the Principle steer clear of these easily seen gaffes…fail.
I say it often; the biggest compliment I gibe is that o like how a pol, a Crew, a staffer, a Staff..,how they go about their business.
This isn’t going about your business in a way to be admired.
Do better.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:34 pm
And the complaint with the House Ethics Committee has been filed, accepting gifts.
Can’t buy this kind of publicity. This is going great.
Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:35 pm
===Can’t buy this kind of publicity. This is going great.===
Nothing like an ethics probe to boost the “Q” rating thru the roof…
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:38 pm
With all of the bad news on the blog lately, this was a kind of a gift from the Schock crew. I thank them for it.
===Can’t buy this kind of publicity. This is going great.===
Rep. Schock needs to talk to his peeps about what he meant when he asked them to get some “earned media”
Comment by Pot calling kettle Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:51 pm
@FakeCongSchock - You think the DC office looks cool, wait until you see the district office. #PiratesOfTheCaribbean
Comment by Pot calling kettle Tuesday, Feb 3, 15 @ 10:53 pm
I wish you could post photos here. I have a great photo of Schock’s gigantic faux French manor house in Peoria, complete with mini-Buckingham fountain in the lawn. Biggest house in the neighborhood, by far. This is not nearly the first time he’s gone over the top.
Comment by Ela Observer Wednesday, Feb 4, 15 @ 12:47 am
@Ela Observer.
Send it to Rich. Heck, send it to me too!
Oldyellerdem at gmail
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Wednesday, Feb 4, 15 @ 6:33 am
Congressman Schock made the “Today” show.
Fun.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 4, 15 @ 7:42 am