Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell (R), whose term in office is nearing an end under the cloud of a federal investigation, told The Washington Post in a recent interview that the investigation has been a “heartbreaking” period of time for him.
“I’ve been in public office in 37 years, since I was a lieutenant in the Army back in 1976. I’ve been in elected office for 22 years. I have given my heart and soul in public service to the people of Virginia for the past eight years in particular in statewide office,” McDonnell, who will leave office in January, told the Post. “Never in my life have I been accused of any kind of impropriety. I’ve always tried to keep high standards. … And so this has been both a heartbreaking and humbling period of time for me and for my family. But what I can control is how I react to things and what I can control is how to make Virginia a better state.”
Prosecutors have for months been investigating McDonnell and his family’s relationship with a wealthy Virginia businessman and political donor. The donor, Jonnie Williams, runs an embattled dietary supplements company called Star Scientific, and gave the McDonnells more than $150,000 in gifts and payments in recent years. During the same period, McDonnell and his wife, Maureen McDonnell, took steps to support the company. The McDonnells repaid and returned Williams’ money after their ties to the businessman became a scandal earlier this year.
