Aaron Schock Ethics Investigation: Illinois Congressman Subject Of Probe Over Super PAC Donation

Aaron Schock Subject Of Congressional Ethics Probe
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Republican Congressman Aaron Schock of Illinois smiles during an interview with AFP at the Convention Center in Tampa, Florida, on August 28, 2012 during the Republican National Convention. Schock is the youngest member of US Congress, the only one to be born in the 1980s. He's also part of a new generation of conservative lawmakers backed by the Tea Party, working to lower taxes, reduce government aid and ban abortion. AFP PHOTO Brigitte DUSSEAU (Photo credit should read BRIGITTE DUSSEAU/AFP/GettyImages)

U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock (R-Ill.) is the subject of a congressional ethics investigation, the House Ethics Committee announced Friday.

The committee's announcement did not offer details on the investigation but, according to the Chicago Tribune, the probe involves super PAC money, Schock spokesman Steve Dutton told the paper. The committee has not yet indicated that any violation has occurred.

Schock, 31, told the Associated Press late Friday that "it’s not a new complaint, it’s not a new report" and dismissed the announcement as simply the next phase of an investigation that remains ongoing. He claims it pertains to his seeking a $25,000 donation to a super PAC from House Majority Leader Eric Cantor that would benefit U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger's 2012 primary campaign.

A previous complaint against Schock claims the congressman was only legally allowed to ask for a maximum $5,000 donation, as Roll Call reported in April.

"We feel confident that I didn’t do anything wrong," Schock told the AP.

Schock is among the names being touted as early Republican front-runners in the 2014 gubernatorial race in Illinois. He has attracted national recognition for his physique -- as previously showcased on the cover of Men's Health magazine -- and was named Congress' hottest freshman in 2009.

The House Ethics Committee will not say more on the matter until Jan. 28.

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