U.S. Congressman Aaron Schock says he’s hiring outside groups to run his campaign and district finances. The moves come after the 18th District Congressman has come under significant scrutiny for his travel expenses. Schock says he’s using the last few weeks to reflect on things that need to change personally and in his office. Schock says when he posts photos of his online travels…that can create the impression he’s out of touch:
“I have tried to balance being a young congressman and doing things differently and more open with maintaining a level of seriousness on the issues of the day. I know some days I have failed at this.”
In the last week Schock has paid back money used from office accounts to pay for private plane travel. Schock says he uses chartered planes to travel across what he says is one of the largest geographic districts in the country:
“I also get the optics. I get the fact that for a lot of people that seems out of touch and unnecessary.”
Schock says he will follow the recommendations of an ongoing office review if any more questionable expenses are found.