Schock likens himself to Lincoln

In his farewell speech, Illinois Rep. Aaron Schock compared himself to Abraham Lincoln, saying his exit from Congress amid an expense scandal was “not the end of a story, but the beginning of a new chapter.” Schock, whose resignation is effective March 31, noted that Lincoln was a House representative for a time, “but few have faced as many setbacks in their personal business and public life as he has.”

“His never-ending perseverance in the face of trials can be an inspiration to all of us Americans, especially when we’re going through a valley in life,” Schock said to a nearly empty house. “I believe that through life’s struggles, we learn from our mistakes and learn more about ourselves. And I know that this is not the end of a story, but the beginning of a new chapter.” Schock resigned after POLITICO reported that he billed taxpayers and campaign donors 170,000 miles for a car with only 80,000 miles on it. This. He is accused of sloppy bookkeeping and spending both his campaign and taxpayer dollars. that he was not sure whether he had broken any laws or accepted inappropriate gifts.

In a speech Thursday, Schock said he was leaving Congress “with sadness and humility.” It was the closest he has come to admitting wrongdoing since the scandal broke more than a month ago. “For those I have failed, I will work tirelessly to make it up to you,” he said from the floor. “I know that God has a plan for my life.”

Leaving the floor, he walked the halls of the Capitol answering questions. When asked what he had coming up, Schock said, “Easter.” He then got into a white SUV with Mississippi license plates and drove away.