Embattled Illinois 18th District Congressman Aaron Schock resigned March 17, following several weeks of allegations of ethical and financial improprieties, according to reports.
The resignation came after new allegations arose that Schock had billed taxpayers and his campaign for approximately 170,000 miles that were put on his personal automobile between 2010 and 2014. But when Schock sold the vehicle in July 2014, it only had about 81,000 miles on the odometer, according to Politico.
In a statement, Schock said, "[T]he 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."
It was just one of many alleged infractions for the congressman, who has found himself answering for a number of luxuries seemingly incurred at the expense of taxpayers or his campaign: an office lavishly decorated in the manner of Downtown Abbey; a private-jet trip to a football game in Chicago; expenses incurred by a traveling companion, supposedly a personal photographer; and tickets to a Katy Perry concert, among others. Schock also allegedly took out a mortgage that was worth twice the value of the property he was purchasing, thanks to an insider deal brokered by campaign donors.
Federal officials may still investigate Schock's expenses and record-keeping, according to Politico, but some probes into the matters will be likely be discontinued because of the resignation. He officially leaves office March 31. Gov. Bruce Rauner will have to call a special election for the district.
Schock, one of Congress' youngest members, enjoyed being provocative, and a cover photo on Men's Health Magazine, as well as a number of Instagram posts, fueled speculation about his sexuality. He has denied being gay, however, and opposed many gay-rights initiatives. Human Rights Campaign gave him a 0% score.
Politico's story is at politi.co/18DrvrE.