Here’s yet another example of how Republicans are great at winning elections but absolutely suck when it comes to governing.
A jury on Thursday found former Gov. Bob McDonnell (R-VA) and his wife guilty on multiple counts of conspiracy and honest services wire fraud. The pair were indicted in January on 14 federal counts over their role in a gift scandal. The indictments centered around tens of thousands of dollars worth of gifts received by the couple from a wealthy tobacco executive.
In what Republican state legislator Bob Marshall called the “type of activity” that “undermines public confidence,” McDonnell and his family allegedly accepted more than $135,000 in gifts and/or loans from Jonnie R. Williams Sr., the then-CEO of Star Scientific Inc. The McDonnells then helped promote the scientifically-unproven dietary supplements line made by the controversial tobacco company-turned-supplements manufacturer. While Virginia’s lax gifts law allows elected officials to accept unlimited gifts — even from lobbyists and those with business before the state — McDonnell was accused of failing to fully disclose what he and his wife received.
The gifts included a silver Rolex watch, golf clubs, Louis Vitton shoes, and $15,000 to help pay for the McDonnells’ daughter’s wedding.
Chalk one up for the good guys.
Walker and Christie can’t be happy about this. Just reinforces how disposable they are to the oligarchs.
Good day on the side of the angels in New Orleans, Richmond and Wisconsin/Indiana.