Former Virginia
Gov. Bob McDonnell
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) _ In the eight months since former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell was convicted of public corruption, a few developments have gone his way. The federal appeals court that will hear arguments Tuesday in McDonnell’s case allowed the ex-governor and his wife, Maureen, to remain free on bond while they challenge their convictions. Legal experts say that decision suggests the court believes at least some of the issues raised on appeal are a close call. A wide range of legal professionals, including dozens of former state attorneys general from both major political parties, filed friend-of-the-court briefs supporting McDonnell’s position that his convictions were based on an overly broad definition of what constitutes an “official act.” Prosecutors have argued that the jury’s verdict at the end of a nearly six-week trial was sound.
