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“Shell-schocked” over Rep. Schock? Not so much — check out these four political faux pas

March 26, 2015

Rep. Aaron Schock (R-Ill.) allegedly guzzled even more taxpayer dollars in false mileage-reimbursement claims on an SUV than originally reported, according to a new analysis released earlier this week by those at the Chicago Sun-Times — allegations that should come as no surprise considering the numerous conservatives and liberals who have found themselves in similar hot water over the years.

In no particular order …

1. Harry Reid

Democrats Discusse Daschle's Withdrawal From HHS Nomination

Longtime Silver State senator Harry Reid (D-Nev.) came under fire in 2014 for nearly $17,000 charged to his campaign for “holidays gifts.” Pressed by those at the Federal Election Commission to expound on the expense, the senator disclosed the expenditure was the purchase of novelty jewelry from his granddaughter’s small business, according to those at the Las Vegas Sun. The senator eventually reimbursed his campaign for the gifts.

2. Bob McDonnell

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Former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell (R-Va.), along with his wife, in 2014 was convicted on corruption charges and earlier this year he was sentenced to two years in prison for giving political favors in exchange for nearly $200,000 in “loans, vacations and gifts,” according to The New York Times.

3. Jesse Jackson Jr.

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Former congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill.) was released Thursday from federal prison after serving time for tax evasion and misappropriate use of campaign funds, reports Fox News. “The Democrat was convicted in 2013 of misusing $750,000 in campaign money on items including furs and vacations, as well as tax evasion,” says Fox.

4. John Ensign

Ensign's final speech to Congress prior to resignation. Screenshot via Ensign's YouTube channel

Ensign’s final speech to Congress prior to resignation. Screenshot via Ensign’s YouTube channel

Former Rep. John Ensign (R-Nev.) resigned amid allegations of an extra-marital affair and a cover-up that led to lobbying violations. “In a scathing report issued shortly after [Ensign] left office, the Senate panel said it found evidence Ensign broke laws in trying to cover up the affair, including setting up his aide Doug Hampton as a lobbyist and helping him violate a one-year restriction on lobbying by former Senate staffers,” the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported last year.

In the words of American Majority Editorial Intern Elise Cheatwood, “Don’t do bad things.” Check out her entire commentary on Rep. Schock’s fall from grace here.

This article was updated April 1, 2015 from its original version.

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