These transactions were the basis for the indictments against the McDonnells and Williams' testimony was very important to the prosecution's case.
On August 20, , Bob McDonnell himself took the stand. His testimony supported the defense's claims that Bob and Maureen McDonnell's marriage was "a mess. With the prosecution trying to connect Bob McDonnell with Star Scientific, McDonnell rejected their claims, testifying that he had done less for Star Scientific than for other Virginia companies and that all his support had been a routine part of supporting Virginia businesses in general. On September 4, , the McDonnells were convicted on conspiracy charges after three days of deliberations by the jury.
Bob McDonnell was convicted on 11 counts related to charges of conspiracy, while Maureen McDonnell was convicted on eight conspiracy charges and a charge of obstruction of official proceeding. Defense attorney Henry Asbil stated in a press conference following the jury's decision that the couple would appeal the verdict. McDonnell was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison by federal judge James Spencer on January 6, Spencer also ordered 24 months of court-administered supervision.
McDonnell argued that while his time in the governor's mansion was "unbalanced," he would recommit his life to public service after the completion of his sentence. Spencer noted that a flood of sympathetic letters and testimony during sentencing lessened the length of the sentence, though he also said that "a price must be paid. McDonnell subsequently appealed his conviction, and a three-judge panel from the United States Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit upheld his convictions unanimously in July The panel's decision was appealed; but on August 11, , the full court declined to review the case.
Eight of the full member court voted against a rehearing of the case, while the remaining seven did not participate after disqualifying themselves. McDonnell's appeal contended that he was convicted under a definition of bribery that was overly broad and that his lawyers were not given adequate time to question potential jurors about the influence the media coverage of the case had on their opinions.
The final avenue left open to McDonnell would be an appeal to the U. Supreme Court. On October 13, , McDonnell asked the U. Supreme Court to review his conviction on corruption charges. In the page filing, McDonnell's defense team argued that none of the former governor's actions constituted "official action" and that McDonnell was only guilty of granting access to a donor, which is not prohibited.
McDonnell's attorneys also argued that jurors were given incorrect instructions on the definition of "official action". McDonnell has remained free while appealing his conviction. On April 27, , the U. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in McDonnell v. United States. Writing for a unanimous court, Chief Justice John Roberts noted that the court granted certiorari in the case "to clarify the meaning of 'official act'" under federal bribery statutes.
Warner January 12, - January 14, Learn More. James S. Gilmore January 17, - January 12, Learn More. Gerald L.
Baliles January 18, - January 14, Learn More. Search For Former Governors This searchable database identifies former governors by state and dates of service.
Start Searching. Harrison Virginia - Democratic Gov. Westmoreland Davis Virginia - Democratic Gov. Fitzhugh Lee Virginia - Democratic Gov. William E. Cameron Virginia - Readjuster Gov. William Smith Virginia - - Democratic Gov. John Letcher Virginia - Democratic Gov. Joseph Johnson Virginia - Democratic Gov. John Buchanan Floyd Jr. Virginia - Democratic Gov. John Rutherfoord Virginia - Democratic Gov. And he deployed his political campaign arm, Organising for America, in an effort to ensure the swarms of party loyalists and new voters he attracted in turned out.
That's the race that highlighted fissures in the Republican party between conservatives and moderates, illustrating problems the GOP could have in capitalizing on any discontent with Obama and Democrats that today's results may show.
With so much involvement in so few races, Obama raised the stakes of a low-enthusiasm off-year election season. Thus, any Democratic losses would be a blot on Obama's political standing to some degree and would signal trouble ahead as he seeks to achieve his policy goals, protect Democratic majorities in Congress and expand his party's grip on governors' seats next fall. Obama needs all the lawmakers he can get to pass his legislative priorities of healthcare and climate change, but defeats today could make it much harder for him to persuade moderate Democrats from right-leaning states and conservative districts, who are hearing from voters worried about his expansion of government at a time of rising deficits, to get on board.
Defeats also could tease out upcoming problems for Democrats, particularly in moderate districts and in swing states like Ohio, Colorado and Nevada, as they defend their turf next fall. In , most governors, a third of the Senate and all members in the House will be on ballots. Republican victories in one or more races could energize a GOP that's lost back-to-back national elections, just as it seeks to raise money and recruit candidates to prepare for next year.
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