The Marshall County Board wants former U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock to pay the $76,000 in unbudgeted county costs for special elections to fill the 18th Congressional District seat he abandoned. The board voted unanimously Thursday to send the Peoria Republican a letter requesting the reimbursement. Schock resigned last month following controversy over his use of taxpayer and campaign funds. The costs for the special primary and general election have been estimated at $38,000 each, officials said. In a vein somewhat similar to a collection letter, the board offers Schock options of sending either the full amount or an agreement stating that he will pay later.
“If you choose to forward an agreement, we will provide an itemized statement of the costs following the election,” states the letter signed by all 10 board members present at the end of the meeting. “If you choose to send the $76,000 requested, we will accept it on behalf of the citizens of Marshall County as payment in full for the costs of the special election.”
Chairman Gary Kroeschen and State’s Attorney Paul Bauer said discussions of sending such a letter started before a recent Journal Star column by Phil Luciano suggested Schock use his $3.3-million campaign fund to cover such costs. Luciano quoted a former federal election official stating Schock could use the money for that purpose. “Schock has more money (in that fund) than the county has in its reserves,” Bauer said.
Full Article: Marshall County sends Aaron Schock a bill for special election costs – News – Journal Star – Peoria, IL.