Bob McDonnell Goes on Trial Today

[brooklynite]

Source: Governing

The federal corruption trial of former Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell and his wife Maureen starts on Monday, with the couple charged with selling political favors for a loan, gifts and vacations.

McDonnell, 60, a Republican once mentioned as a potential presidential candidate, and the former first lady face a 14-count indictment alleging they accepted about $165,000 from a Virginia businessman in exchange for helping his dietary supplement company.

The McDonnells deny the charges, contending in court filings there is no evidence they agreed to use their power to aid the executive, Jonnie Williams, founder of dietary supplement company Star Scientific Inc.

Prosecutors say the gifts to McDonnell and his wife ranged from an engraved $6,500 Rolex watch to wedding and engagement presents and money for the couple's daughters, and a $15,000 shopping spree for Maureen McDonnell. Other favors included a $50,000 loan and golf outings and equipment, prosecutors say. Virginia governors are limited to one term and McDonnell left office in January.



Read more: http://www.governing.com/news/headlines/bob-mcdonnell-goes-on-trial-today.html

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Please spell the word "Schadenfreude..."

[rurallib]

1. I hope he is just the first of many

Christie, Scott, Branstad, Walker..................

[FSogol]

2. Not a moment too soon. Hope they throw the book at that pair of grifters. n/t

[NastyRiffraff]

3. The defense is relying on Bob McDonnell's reputation

as a "good public servant." Okay, let's say that's true. Let's also say, along with the defense, that he's a nice guy. They're still ignoring the elephant in the room: Maureen. Her greed knows no bounds. No wonder Bob McDonnell wanted separate trials. He knows his wife is very vulnerable to all charges. Not that he's an innocent, but this mess was largely driven by Maureen.

[dawn frenzy adams]

4. Did you notice?

We never saw a mugshot of McDonnell. Where is it?

[onehandle]

5. Here you go...

Criminality is a badge of honor within the GOP.

They threw a party...

[IMG][/IMG]

[lovemydog]

6. Ooh, fun.

The trial should prove entertaining diversion from my academic reading on 50 Shades of Grey, Literary Criticism, Non-Literary Criticism, Bigfoot Porn and Dino Porn.

On a serious note, I'm interested in these trials. Any updates are appreciated.

[JudyM]

8. Extra sweet coincidence that the VA ban on gay marriage was struck down today!

Hope it's a bad omen for him.

[calimary]

9. Remember the republi-CONS railing about all those lazy moochers we liberals supposedly love

so much - all they want is free stuff! romney said that all the time, such a pejorative!

Well, ladies and gentlemen, let's all say hello to Governor Vaginal Probe and his lovely First Lady, Gimmee Freestuff!