Quote of the Day

"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."—Republican Congressman from Illinois Aaron Schock, who announced his resignation from Congress today, "after multiple news outlets raised questions about his use of taxpayer and campaign funds."

(This was the dude who decked out his office like the set of Downton Abbey, as you may recall.)

The congressman's woes began in February, when a reporter for the Washington Post published photos of Schock's lavish new Capitol Hill office. The decor was allegedly inspired by the British period drama "Downton Abbey." Schock later reimbursed the $40,000 cost of the office decor with his personal funds.

That story prompted other outlets to take a closer look at Schock's finances. The Associated Press used photos from Schock's Instagram account to trace flights he took on donor's private planes using taxpayer and campaign funds, while Buzzfeed noticed that Schock had used a lectern during appearances in his home district that appeared to be a replica one used by President Obama—and cost roughly $5,000.

...Politico reported that Schock resigned less than a day after the publication had raised questions about taxpayers footing the bill for mileage reimbursement on his personal vehicle.

Perhaps my favorite thing about this is that Schock is a Republican and thus an anti-taxation advocate, but felt pretty cool about using taxpayer dollars as his own personal Fun Fund.