U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock. (WJBC file photo)
By Dave Dahl/Illinois Radio Network
PEORIA – Whether you – or he – likes the reasons, U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock (R-Peoria) is one of Illinois’ most publicized and most exposed politicians these days.
He spent some time this week in his Central Illinois district.
"You know what, I’m down here (in Springfield) to take part in the governor’s budget address," Schock said, declining to address the myriad controversies. "I’m focused on doing my job. That’s the best thing I can do – delivering for the people who elected me."
The 33-year-old congressman, noted for his prevalence on social media, has been under fire for accepting, in violation of congressional gift bans, free decorating work from a constituent. The results of that decorating in his Washington office: red walls, antique accoutrements, and pheasant feathers, in a look compared to TV’s "Downton Abbey."
A then-staffer’s efforts to snuff out the publicity brought attention to that staffer’s own social media habits, including remarks some considered racist, and the staffer resigned. And questions have come up about a Peoria-area home Schock sold to a supporter for almost $1 million — which Schock detractors say is more than market value – and about his travel on private aircraft.
"He gave a very adult conversation about the tough decisions that are going to have to be made," Schock said of the governor’s budget address. And, alluding to his days as a state representative (2005-09), Schock added, "After listening to these for 10 years in a row now, this is the first honest assessment of where the state’s finances truly are that I’ve seen in a decade."
