Politics: Schock playing fast and loose with campaign rules?
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I’ve written before about how Republican Party loyalists are a bit annoyed at Aaron Schock. Less than a year after they spent millions getting him re-elected to the Illinois House of Representatives, he decided to abandon that seat to run for the one being vacated by U.S. Rep Ray LaHood.
This means that the GOP is more likely than not to loose the seat to the Democrats. Until Schock defeated Ricca Slone, the 92nd was considered a safe Democratic seat. But Schock — who has a knack for picking opponents who have weaknesses in their base — won back in 2004.
And now Schock is making tongues wag yet again. This time, some of his fellow GOPers are upset at the special favors he’s getting from the party organization, and for possible violations of campaign finance rules.
Here are some of the complaints I’m hearing:
- The Shock for Congress campaign is passing out the same literature, they say, that was distributed by the Schock for State Representative campaign. Presumably, that literature was purchased long before anyone knew Ray LaHood wouldn’t run for re-election and long before Schock officially entered the race. So the literature must have been bought with money raised for a state race. That’s a big no-no.
- The Schock for Congress campaign is using the same phone number from the state rep campaign. This account with the phone company was opened with money raised for the state rep campaign. Unless Schock office gave up that phone number, and handed it over to the congressional campaign and paid for with federal campaign funds, it might not be exactly legal.
- And some of the ire is directed at the Peoria County Republican Central Committee. They have allowed Schock to set up his Congressional campaign office inside their offices. That’s a no-no too, apparently. In fact, sources say the desire to separate state and federal election efforts was one of the reasons the county GOP moved its offices away from its location next to Ray LaHood’s local offices at 4238 N. Knoxville to its new location at 8835 N. Knoxville Ave.
Via Schock’s own Website:
Here’s a closer look:
And here is an image from the Peoria County Republican’s homepage:
It’s exactly the same address. Right now, I’m not sure if this means that “state” campaign funds are being used on behalf of a “federal” campaign. If so, it’s a violation of federal campaign finance laws, or so I’m told. If not, then it’s ethically questionable.
What I do know is there is serious talk about making a formal complaint to the Federal Election Commission. THAT is a big deal, unlike the allegations that passed back and forth when Schock ran against State Rep. Ricca Slone. Those were treated like most allegations of cheating are treated in Illinois — with a certain amount of amused interest by the media, but with no real consequences (at one point, they were debating the ethics of free hot dogs and soda, for crying out loud).
But this is a federal race, and the national media is looking at it. And the media looooves to write about Republicans accused of campaign violations. Those guys have no sense of humor.
While 11 out of the 20 Republican county chairs in the 18th district have reportedly endorsed Schock, that doesn’t mean that Schock is endorsed by the party as a whole. The GOP and the Democrats alike pick their parties’ nominees through primary elections, not in smoke-filled cloakrooms.
Letting Schock set up an office inside the county’s party HQ months before the primary sends a message to the rank and file: What you want doesn’t matter. The powers-that-be have pre-selected their favored candidate, so just give up and go home. It’s a great way to de-energize the party faithful.
And I’m sure that those folks who have contributed to or are working as volunteers for either Jim McConoughey or John Morris are absolutely thrilled (note the sarcasm, please) that their party itself is using their money to provide facilities to Schock.
And I’m also hearing that one of the people who is a bit POed is none other than Ray LaHood. As an incumbent, LaHood is very much aware of the effect this sort of nonsense is having on the GOP’s chances of recapturing Congress.
And the thing is that Schock has a history of bending if not breaking what should be simple and easy to understand campaign rules. With the media and voters hype-sensitive to crooked electioneering, one wonders what other rules Schock might break or bend.
I’m recalling the history of the district. In 1956, Rep. Harold Velde endorsed his top aide Bob Michel, who won the party nomination in a crowded field. In 1994, Michel in turn endorsed Ray LaHood, his aide, instead of the more conservative Judy Koehler.
Perhaps LaHood might want to consider doing the same thing. Considering that everyone is assuming what whoever wins the GOP primary is going to win the general election, they may as well pick someone who acts like a grown-up and plays by the rules.
UPDATE: It’s been pointed out by several folks that I’ve been remiss in pointing out who Schock’s campaign manager is: Steve Shearer. This is the same Steve Shearer who’s managing the campaign of U.S. Rep. Jerry Weller, the same guy who’s announcement his retirement today. Weller is guy who’s been called the most corrupt member of Congress because of his shady land deals in Nicaragua and his marriage to an anti-American Guatamalan politician who mhappens to be the daughter of genocidal dictator.
Billy Dennis is a former reporter and editor at small daily and weekly newspapers in Illinois and Missouri. He comments on media, news and politics. He also owns and operates 
Just look who his campaign manager is and expect more of hte same; someday he will grow up I hope.
The last two open Congressional races essentially involved the retiring incumbent handing the job off to his deputy and making sure there was no primary race. Exactly how is that a better model than the current situation, where three Republicans are duking it out? Schock may be the favorite, but I don’t think LaHood or the County GOP chairman are putting any undue pressure on his opponents to step aside.
That is the problem Schock isn’t the favorite. He may have better name recognition, but that hardly makes a winnable race or a competent congressman. So Ike, I guess what your saying is you’d like as little competition among candidates as possible.
And I don’t think County Chairs or LaHood is putting any pressure on the other candidates to step out.
Check out this article in today’s Chicago Tribune, “Illinois called key to House in ‘08.” Read the final paragraphs, where Aaron Schock is named as the likely replacement for LaHood. Then read LaHood’s comment — he discusses the “local (Peoria, 18th District) Democrats’ ‘embarassing’ recruitment efforts in this district” to find a credible Demo candidate for the race. Interesting.
Here’s the web link: http://www.chicagotribune.com/services/newspaper/printedition/friday/chi-congress21sep21,0,2893133,print.story
Billy, is the campaign page on his site new? Was it added since Lahood announced retirement, for has this been there all along? If it has been there since his first term, then wouldn’t all that information be in reference to his state district elections? You seem to be assuming that his state site is being used for his congressional run, which may or may not be the case. There is no “Schock for Congress” site that I could find, but maybe he hasn’t set that up yet. Did you confirm with Schock’s office that the phone number and office location is indeed being used by his congressional campaign and aren’t just leftovers from his last run?
I called 693-9393 and spoke to a young man who identified himself as being with Schock’s office. He said they were located at Northpoint Shopping Center, and that they were leasing space from the Peoria County Republican Party. Since Schock’s 92nd District DOES NOT INCLUDE THE 8800 BLOCK OF NORTH KNOXVILLE, I’m gonna go out on a limb assume it’s his campaign office. And since these guys don’t even have yard signs or bumper stickers, I’m thinking that the probably don’t have new Web site up for the Congressional campaign.
You know you could have confirmed that assumption with a simple question, Billy. So the only thing you confirmed before posting was that the phone number was being used by someone who said he was “with Schock’s office”, which is not the same as working for the congressional campaign, but your post makes the opposite accusation. So the real answer to my questions are: you don’t know because you didn’t confirm anything. Come on Billy, you’re better than this. Call the guy back and follow up.
Right now, I’m busy working on a post about the woman who might very well replace Schock in the state legislature. But I’ll put that on my agenda.
I can confirm, petitions and official “Schock for Congress” letterhead dropped today with that exact number on them. So if that number is answered by someone claiming to be in that location Billy is correct.
At the Morton Pumpkin festival his campaign handed out full sized Snicker bars and balloons, who wants to place bets on where that money came from. I’m betting the state rep account. And I won’t even start on the hundreds of balloons his supporters just let drift off into the sky to choke helpless ducks and geese…
[...] see, Cong. Weller’s campaign manager is one Steve Shearer (scroll down to the [...]
It’s always nice to see the same speculation from the same people. If you go out to the republican headquarters there are signs for a variety of candidates, there have been meetings for a variety of candidates. Bottom line is this, although you will continue to browbeat, badmouth, and use inundo, in my opinion, he’s the best pick for this office to date. He has political experience in getting things done, his constituent services are fantastic, and he will build coalitions across parties and/or fight to get us what is needed in this district. I personally have nothing against the other two republican candidates, but what have they done? What do we know about them? Who are they representing, etc. I have seen Schock with a wide range of people, addressing a wide range of concerns. I don’t agree with every statement of every candidate and no matter who wins, someone on here will be complaining about something. So stop the nitpicking, the back biting, the griping and see who will best represent the area as a whole. Vote for that person because YOU believe they are the best candidate not because your ex wife’s, cousin’s dog groomer once heard………..find out for yourself what people stand for. I know what Schock can do believe he will do a good job for the area.
We waste so much time and effort on the petty things, and then complain why nothing gets done around here.
Paul, can you please help me with a little background on what Schock has accomplished? You say he’s “addressed” a wide range of concerns…what was he able to accomplish in Springfield?
I asked on my blog a few weeks back, but got no response.
BJ,
Schock has accomplished many things. He was elected to the D150 School Board, later elected President, than expeditiously left that post when elected to the General Assembly. Oh wait… did you mean what has he done other than run for various offices…give me minute there has got to be something. Oh I remember he graduat
BJ,
Schock has accomplished many things. He was elected to the D150 School Board, later elected President, than expeditiously left that post when elected to the General Assembly. Oh wait… did you mean what has he done other than run for various offices…give me minute there has got to be something. Oh I remember he graduated from Bradley in two years receiving a degree that normally takes 4 years. You see, his dad is a wealthy doctor and was able to buy his son some real estate when he was a teenager, thereby giving him enough income so that he didn’t have to work much thought college like most students do. Hmm… I guess that’s not to impressive either. Paul what has Aaron done???
Sorry for the first post, not sure what happened with that.
Bravo – LMAO!
11Bravo, thanks for the info.
Every time I read about all the property Schock owned or sold and that Garage-Tek business he sold, I kept thinking “Where in the hell did this young guy come up with all this cash for these ventures?”
I thought maybe he had like 14 paper routes when he was even younger.
Well, as a 25 year old who paid his own way through college and then joined the National Guard (and now attending graduate school while working full-time) it sickens me when I hear people talking about his 2 year stint at Bradley as if he were Stephen Hawking. I (or anyone else for that matter) could have graduated from college in 2 years if my dad were loaded and providing the financial backing so I didn’t have to have a real job.
Aaron has set up a neighborhood liason position which provides direct feedback to and from his office. This is something that has not been done at least around here. He has helped with a number of neighborhood projects, no just show up and talk to people but put in hard work, we have people on the council who don’t show up. That may not mean much to you, but it does to a number of us. He sponsored legislation to put code enforcement fines onto property tax bills, something the city really wanted to be able to, which meant that if the code enforcement fines would actually be paid by slumlords. It didn’t have support in the Senate, from either Shadid or Koehler. He sponsored practical bills for a variety of constituents, college student, the poor. He sponsors a summer reading program. He has been a big brother to youth. He assisted with a cost of living adjustment for a number of social serivce agencies. This meant client services would not have to be cut in order to pay for soaring gas and utility prices. Aaron is accessible. My calls and text messages are returned promptly as are calls from neighborhood leaders and other constituents. I know he has helped out with constituents with mental health issues, health care issues, child support issues, etc. He ensures he has great staff. He works very hard. Often with long hours in the capitol and running from event to event, Yet he will take the time personally to answer questions etc. So often complaint are about people who get into office and completely forget the people that elect them, or only cater to the country club set. He has patrolled with the Guardian Angels and not during the day when everyone can see him, but in the middle of the night when crime is happening. He took time even then to talk to residents upset with what was happening around them. You guys don’t see these things . It’s not advertised on the media, there aren’t stories written. His investment has not only been in my area, but the East Bluff, the South side, the north valley and yes the better areas of town. Some of these areas did not support him in the last election, yet still he was there serving his constituency. All his varioius constituents. I don’t agree with 100% of his votes or stances, but also realize he has numerous types of people to represent and compromises must be made, hence our form of government.
His predessor did nothing like this and his successor has incredible shoes to fill.
Am sure none of this impresses you and I’m sure there will some smart alec remark. I know what I have seen and experienced. The man has my respect. I would also bet you haven’t sat down and talked with him either.
If a higher position opened up in your place of employment, would you seek it?
Bravo, you still need the same number of credits to graduate regardless, so were you willing to take twice as many classes to get out in two years as four? Whether or not you dad has money has little to do with your willingness to do the task. You get what you are handed in life and you make with it what you do. It would probably sicken you too what I have done, and yes I worked as well.
Yeah, I gotta go with Paul on this one. Getting a four-year degree in two years would be one heck of a hard thing to do. I went to ICC for four years and earn my associate degree. Of course, I changed my major four times, and attended part-time through most of it. The fact that a drank a lot then and failed a bunch of classes didn’t help matters.
Maybe I didn’t explain this adequately. My point is if money was not a concern for most people, meaning they didn’t have to work, taking twice the normal course load wouldn’t have been that difficult. My undergraduate semesters were typically between 17 and 21 hours per semester and I worked a minimum of 35 hours a week while in college. I am by no means jealous of Schock’s situation. I learned many things through that experience that he’s likely never to learn. Given that all he has really done is run for office, with a lack of any other life experiences, IS what I have a problem with however.
I had a rather lengthy post that simply disappeared. It answered the questons about what has Schock done. He has sponsored legislation beneficial to college students, family’s recieving public assistance, etc. He sponsored a bill the would have allowed the city to put unpaid code enforcement fines on property tax bills, meaning slumloards actually have to pay their fines. The Senate did not pass it, neither Shadid nor Koehler pick it up. You can look up more.
He has a neighborhood liason who attends meetings and funnels information to and from Schock’s office/Springfield. No one has done that type of service around here, if anywhere. He returns my phone calls and texts promptly, as well as other leaders. He has patrolled with the Guardian Angels, not during the day where everyone would see him, but in the middle of the night, when crime is happening. He took time during patrolling to meet with residents upset with events happening around them. Not just in my area, but in other troubled neighborhoods, something few in our local government have done. He also went into areas which did not support him in the election, because they are his constituents, regardless. You wouldn’t know this because there was no media. He did it to see what the members of the district experience. He also meets the needs of other areas of town and the many differing constituents making up the district.
He has helped out with neighborhood projects, not just stopping by for a photo op or chatting with people, but working along side them, getting dirty and sweaty. I am sure nothing will impress you, but that’s not particularly my issue.
I would guess that there will be some comment about something else not liked, but if he works with his constituency now, he will later, if he advocates for our needs now, he will later.
Some seem to be bothered that he is seeking a higher office. Do you not aspire to do other things, to move onward and upward if an opportunity presents itself?
A significant number of the neighborhood folk respect and back Aaron for all he has done for us and also the people we in turn also represent. He has made efforts that some on our local government don’t bother to do. Yet no one questions why they aren’t doing more and even worse keep them in office. Try explaining that one with any bit of logic.
You asked what he has done, some have implied a socio economic advantage, with apparant bitterness. . I don’t feel treated any differently than anyone else. Isn’t that what is supposed to be happening? So again, vote for who you wish, just know why you feel you have chosen the best candidate.
Bravo, I have learned things you will never learn, and vice versa. if you were taking 21 hours a semester you should have been out in 4 years. I am not sure I think I graduated with somewhere between 165-170 undergrad credit hours and also completed 9 graduate hours as an undergrad. I worked a full time weekend job 32 hours to have health insurance and was involved in school functions, even campus carnival king one year and as you say “so what”. that is exactly my point. So what. I don’t question Aaron’s life experiences, or knowledge because I know that in many areas he is much better informed and smarter than I am. In other areas, I win. So what. We each have our gifts and abilities and I believe that he uses them. Do you know what life experiences he has, have you asked him? I would guess not. If you feel better qualifed then run.
Sponsoring legislation is great, getting it passed is an entirely different ordeal. I’d like to sponsor world peace, Paul can I have your support for President in ‘08. As for your complaint about how Aaron has done more than your local government, take that up with your elected officials. As for his tireless efforts for his constituency, what happened to his tenure on the school board? He sure served them well and promised he wouldn’t leave the board because he was elected to the General Assembly. And don’t give me a line about how much time it takes to perform the duties of a state rep because a lot, if not most, of our state senators and state reps have full time jobs and legislate.
Clearly you don’t know about how much time it does take. Aaron does have a job as well, but am sure you’ll have a bitter comment about that too. All of these legislators have jobs that allow them the flexibilty to be representatives, even on the city council. If you know these guys, to do that job wel takes easily a 12 hour day. City council to do the job well is a full time job. You want to know why he left the school board, ask him. But you’re going to slam him regardless and then if he doesn’t get in, gripe about the job of the person who does. He had a number of bills passed, more than most freshman legislators ever pass. Do your homework.
11Bravo and Paul: you both appear to be intelligent persons; let it rest!
First of all there has been a LaHood for Congress sign in that Peoria Republican Central Committee Headquarters at Northpoint for at least 4 years. LaHood bumber stickers on the table inside. LaHood staffers regularly dropped off LaHood yard signs during the months before the past two elections. So is that also federal campaigning using state campaign property? Just wondering.
Also,18th District State Central Committeeman Mary Alice Erickson has had her 18th CONGRESSIONAL District campaign office in the same headquarters as Schock does for 5 years now. She has volunteers sit out there to assemble her mailings to the 18th CONGRESSIONAL district. They and she uses tables and chairs paid for by state campaign funds, not federal. She compiles election results for each county in the 18th Congressional district in that headquarters as well as a collection of 18th District maps. Isn’t that then a 5 year VIOLATION of federal campaign finance laws? What is her exception?
[...] earlier post about this subject is here. I have phone messages out. Will try to update later in the [...]
[...] was asked to move his office out of the Republican headquarters. The issue was whether Mr. Schock used his state congressional office to help him campaign for the soon to be vacant U. S. Congression…. I’ve written before about how Republican Party loyalists are a bit annoyed at Aaron Schock. [...]
[...] running Schock’s state house campaign as it is the Congressional campaign. Look at his early attempt to illegally operate out of Peoria County Republican Party offices during the early weeks of the [...]
[...] Schock was called out for perhaps violating federal election rules by, among other things, running his Congressional campaign out of the county GOP headquarters where [...]
[...] Schock was called out for perhaps violating federal election rules by, among other things, running his Congressional campaign out of the county GOP headquarters where [...]