U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock (R, IL-18), a Peoria Republican who is considering running for governor, has allegedly solicited contributions of more than $5,000 for a political action committee to help fellow Republican U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) in a primary race last year, prompting congressional investigators to recommend a full House Ethics Committee probe. 

Lawmakers can solicit donations of up to $5,000 for independent expenditure political action committees. 

Newly-elected U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R, IL-13) was also listed as a “non-cooperating witness” for allegedly helping to steer money into the PAC, the Campaign for Primary Accountability. 

“There are many cases that OCE refers to the Ethics Committee that ultimately are dismissed because they are without merit. As our counsel’s submissions to OCE and the Ethics Committee make clear, the complaint in this case is entirely without merit. We remain firmly convinced that Congressman Schock will be exonerated when the Ethics Committee examines the complaint and in due course resolves this matter,” Dutton said.

The House Ethics Committee had no comment following the release of the investigatory report on Schock.