Bob and Maureen McDonnell
(Associated Press photo)
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) _ Federal prosecutors are opposing former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell’s petition asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review his public corruption convictions. The government filed its response to McDonnell’s bid Tuesday. Prosecutors argue that McDonnell was convicted based on a well-established principle that it’s illegal for a public official to accept personal benefits in exchange for his agreement to influence government matters. McDonnell has argued that he was convicted based on an overly broad definition of bribery. McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, were convicted last year of doing favors for a wealthy vitamin executive in exchange for more than $165,000 in gifts and loans. The former governor was sentenced to two years in prison and his wife to one year and one day. Both remain free while they pursue separate appeals.
