Schock campaign paid big for gifts, travel in last months

WASHINGTON-- A new report shows former U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock's campaign spent big on donor gifts and travel in the months before he resigned amid questions about his spending.

According to Schock's latest report to the Federal Election Commission, there was $3.2 million in his campaign treasury on March 31, the day the Illinois Republican left office.

The Chicago Tribune reports in the first three months of this year, the campaign spent $3,114 for Tiffany & Co. bowls for donors and paid $3,408 to Garrett Popcorn in Chicago for gifts for volunteers. The campaign had also spent on "fundraising lodging," which included $4,000 in Nantucket, Massachusetts, $2,137 at a Chicago hotel and $716 at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Schock's campaign amassed $313,920 in legal fees in the first quarter, which is still owed to a law firm in Washington, D.C. His campaign spent $214,000 in the first quarter and had $125,000 in contributions.

Spending by the former congressman came under scrutiny in February after media reports, including about a makeover of his Washington office in the style of the TV show "Downton Abbey." Schock quit after more media reports, including by The Associated Press, about his financing and reporting of travel. He's under a federal criminal investigation.

A contributor to Schock has filed suit against him, seeking to force the repayment of millions of dollars in campaign contributions. That person gave just $500 to Schock, and the complaint seeks class-action status.

A message seeking comment was sent to a representative for Schock.