Politics

Virginia governor embroiled in scandal as new allegations of corruption come to light

Gabe Finger Contributor
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Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell is now facing further corruption allegations, The Washington Post reports.

Anonymous sources now claim that the commonwealth’s governor failed to disclose a $70,000 gift from a major political donor, wealthy businessman Jonnie R. Williams, Sr., to his corporation, in addition to an undisclosed $50,000 check given to his wife. Williams also allegedly gave the governor’s family $25,000 to help defray the costs of two weddings.

State and federal officials are now investigating a total of $145,000 in undisclosed donations and under-the-table gifts.

Williams, the CEO of dietary supplement manufacturer Star Scientific, gave McDonnell a Rolex two weeks after a meeting with a major state health official to pitch his company’s products. The meeting was arranged by Virginia’s first lady Maureen McDonnell.

Last week, state Sen. J. Chapman Petersen sent a letter to the governor, asking him to explain and return the gifts, or step down.

McDonnell recently reimbursed the state for $2,400 of taxpayer funds he spent on various food and health supplies after heavy legal and public pressure.

Per Virginia law, the scandal-ridden McDonnell will not seek a second term and will leave the governor’s mansion in 2013.

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