WASHINGTON — Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe defended Hillary Clinton over the controversy relating to the foreign donations the Clinton Foundation received.

McAuliffe, who served on the Foundation’s Board of Directors from 2000 to 2008, told reporters at The National Governors Association Winter Meeting on Saturday, that the foundation originally accepted foreign donations but stopped doing so after Clinton became Secretary of State. Under Mcauliffe’s watch, the Foundation posted deficits.

The Wall Street Journal reported, however, that the foundation had lifted those self-imposed donor restrictions while Clinton was at the State Department and governments like Saudi Arabia and Oman contributed millions to the foundation. WSJ notes some foreign government donations were allowed for continuing programs approved by State Department ethics officials.

“I read the story and Craig said it’s a philanthropic organization. I was on the board. I left when I was elected governor, so I really can’t speak to it today. You’d have to speak to the foundation folks,” McAuliffe said.

McAuliffe, a former Democratic National Committee Chairman and major party fundraiser, would like to see Clinton in the White House in 2016.

“I’m very good friends with the Clintons. I chaired her last effort. If she had made a decision, she is in no rush to make it. She doesn’t have to do it right away and she’s gonna make that decision on her own timetable. I, in fact, like the idea that she doesn’t have to get in right away. I certainly hope she does. I’m, obviously, a huge advocate for Hillary to be president,” he said.

“I think it’s time for a woman to be president. I also think she is so smart and she will get the economy and take care of the folks in the middle class. So, I will await her word and when that decision is made, I promise you this, if she runs, Hillary Clinton will carry the Commonwealth of Virginia.”