Former Governor of Virginia Bob McDonnell Charged in Gifts Scandal

I frequently point to Cuccinelli's too-red-for-blue-Virginia social positions as a reason for his loss.

Here's the other big a reason: McDonnell was a popular governor. What should have happened is this: McDonnell campaigns with Cuccinelli, tells people "This guy is going to keep Virginia on the same prosperous path I kept it on, vote for him."

That didn't happen, because McDonnell was rendered a liability (or at least not particularly valuable) due to his acceptance of pricey gifts from donors.

He's now been indicted in the matter by a federal grand jury. His wife has been indicted as well.

The charges against the couple were outlined in a document filed by the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia that details how McDonnell and his wife accepted more than $135,000 in gifts and loans, trips, designer clothing and other items from Jonnie Williams Sr., former CEO of Star Scientific.

...

The 14-count indictment, filed Tuesday, charges McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, with a wide array of official corruption. Specifically, the McDonnells were charged with wire fraud, conspiracy and obtaining property under the auspices of their official offices.

Maureen McDonnell was also charged with obstructing the government's investigation.

I'm sure there'll be no such shenanigans under the new reign of Terry "Snow Wouldn't Melt In My Mouth" MacAuliffe, and I'm sure that if there were, Obama's Justice department would similarly lodge a large list of redundant charges (all criminalizing the same basic actions).

posted by Ace at 07:17 PM

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