Just How Much Trouble Could Aaron Schock Be In?

[DonViejo]

Fundraising trips are one thing. Overselling a house could be much more serious.

BY LAUREN FOX

February 11, 2015 What began as an inquiry into Rep. Aaron Schock's opulent scarlet-painted office has quickly spun into a weeklong media probe of the congressman's lavish travel accommodations and real-estate dealings. Now, the looming question is: How serious are the allegations against Schock and what could they mean for the man who had been a rising star for the Republican Party?

Any penalty could have dire political ramifications for Schock, a hot-shot fundraiser for Republicans who is often-viewed as the embodiment of the party's youth outreach. Schock's Instagram feed is littered with photographs to be envied by any 30-something: hikes in Patagonia, dancing on the streets of Buenos Aires, resting poolside in Phoenix. Any public ethics probe could shatter the new-generation GOP image Schock has carefully crafted for himself.

Over the last week, the Illinois Republican endured a media firestorm, partly adding to a narrative of a young congressman who enjoys the perks of the job. Reports of his "Downton Abbey"-style office were just the beginning. His communications director resigned after old, racially charged statements on social media were dug up, and news stories have detailed Schock's preference for five-star resort stays in Aspen and privately chartered flights. Politico reports Schock tends to wow donors with sport outings while making his fundraising pitch. And now his office is reviewing reimbursments the congressman received for driving his personal vehicle. While some might question the congressman's judgement on those trips, traveling in style is not in itself a crime.

There are accusations, however, that give congressional-ethics experts pause, ones that allege Schock crossed a clearer line. To start: Schock may have accepted free decorating services from the company Euro Trash to redo his office, which could be considered a violation of House Ethics Committee rules, which do not allow members to accept gifts or anything of value over $50. Schock told ABC News that the renovations were ongoing and he planned to pay the bill once he received an invoice. More seriously, a recent report alleges that the congressman sold his private residence to a donor for more money than it was worth at the time of the sale.

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http://www.nationaljournal.com/congress/just-how-much-trouble-could-aaron-schock-be-in-20150211

[Laurian]

1. I love seeing these hypocrites exposed. N/T

[villager]

2. He seems like a smarmy little punk.

Most Republicans get away with this phase though, growing into their subsequent creepy, parasitic stages...

[CurtEastPoint]

3. He is a nasty, smarmy, hateful and self-hating allegedly gay homophobe.

[tenderfoot]

4. I have a feeling that his constituents are as insufferable as he is.