RICHMOND, Va. (AP) _ Republican leaders in the Virginia House of Delegates are proposing a $100 limit on the value of gifts to state and local elected officials. House Speaker Bill Howell and other GOP leaders announced the proposal Wednesday. The cap would apply to tangible gifts and intangible gifts, like meals and entertainment. Ethics reform will be a major issue for the 2015 General Assembly following the federal corruption convictions of former Gov. Bob McDonnell and his wife, Maureen. They face sentencing early next year for accepting more than $165,000 in gifts and loans from the CEO of a dietary supplements company in exchange for promoting its products. An ethics panel formed by Gov. Terry McAuliffe has proposed a $250 gift cap. The House GOP leaders say the public is demanding more.
