Politics

Bob McDonnell is sorry

Alexis Levinson Political Reporter
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Scandal-plagued Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell publicly apologized on Tuesday and announced that he has personally repaid questionable loans from a political donor.

Reports over the last few months have exposed various improprieties in McDonnell’s relationship with Star Scientific CEO Jonnie Williams Sr. Williams, among other things, paid the $15,000 catering bill for McDonnell’s daughter’s wedding, made a $50,000 loan to McDonnell’s wife in 2011, and made two other loans, totally over $70,000 to a real estate company that the governor owns with his sister.

While the world had it’s eyes glued on the door of St. Mary’s Hospital, waiting for the arrival of the royal baby, McDonnell quietly released an apology for that on Twitter, and announced that the two loans had been repaid, with interest — $52,278.17 for the loan to his wife, and $71, 837.00 for the loans to the real estate firm.

“Being Governor of Virginia is the highest honor of my 37 years in public service. I am deeply sorry for the embarrassment certain members of my family and I brought upon my beloved Virginia and her citizens,” he said in the statement. “I want you to know that I broke no laws and that I am committed to regaining your sacred trust and confidence. I hope today’s action is another step toward that end. Virginia has never been stronger and I plan to focus on creating even more jobs and facilitating greater opportunity during the last five months of my term as your governor. Our work together on education, transportation, pension reform, voting rights, and economic expansion has produced great results for Virginia.”

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