Will they or won’t they repaint? Schock’s replacement faces glaring choice

The winner of a special election to replace Rep. Aaron Schock will immediately have to face one glaring choice: To paint or not to paint?

{mosads}The Illinois Republican announced his resignation Tuesday, following a flurry of inquiries into his spending habits.

The queries came after Schock’s “Downton Abbey”-themed Rayburn House Office Building digs caught the attention of The Washington Post. The 33-year-old congressman’s office suddenly shot into the spotlight with its “bright red walls,” a “gold-colored sconce with black candles” a “drippy crystal chandelier,” and other décor supposedly inspired by PBS’s British period drama.

Now, we’re told, whoever comes out on top in a special election called by Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner (R) after Schock steps down on March 31 will inherit the luxurious work area — scarlet-colored walls and all.

The choice then becomes whether to stick with the bold look or slap a new coat of paint on the office space.

“When the newly elected Member occupies the office, we would typically repaint the office if requested,” Architect of the Capitol spokeswoman Laura Condeluci tells ITK.

Lawmakers reportedly have a handful of hues to choose from — some grays, a yellow, and a blue — or they can shell out money to buy their own custom color.

But painted walls aren’t necessarily the only decision awaiting the next House member to represent Illinois’s 18th District. Condeluci says, “We would also consider requests for renovations.”