(WJBC file photo)

By Jim Anderson/Illinois Radio Network

PEORIA – U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock (R-Peoria) had a stressful week in Washington. “I’ve had better weeks in my political career,” he said.
 
It started with the Washington Post revealing that Schock ordered an elaborate redecoration of his office, by a designer from Jacksonville who donated her services, which may violate House ethics rules against accepting gifts.
 
Then his communication director resigned after it was revealed he had made racist posts on Facebook. “I was made aware of some comments that he made on his social media that are offensive to me, I think indefensible, and when I sat down with him, it was a pretty short conversation. He offered his resignation, I accepted it,” he said.
 
On Friday, questions arose about whether Schock sold a house in Peoria to a campaign contributor for $235,000 more than it was worth.
 
Schock is back in Peoria, meeting with constituents. He says he hopes they still see him as the same person. He says the office decorating thing could have been handled better.