Ex-Guv McDonnell: Wife Was On Medication

Former Virginia first lady Maureen McDonnell arrives at federal court in Richmond, Va., Monday, Aug. 18, 2014. The McDonnells begin their defense in their corruption trial today. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
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Virginia ex-Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) confirmed in testimony Monday that his wife Maureen received mental health counseling and medication in 2012, despite her earlier resistance to the idea.

The Washington Post reported the revelation as part of its ongoing coverage of the federal corruption trial against the former governor and first lady.

McDonnell had testified last week that he discussed counseling with his wife, who was opposed to the idea because she thought the matter would become public. The couple’s marriage had become strained by 2012, the governor testified, and he increasingly tried to avoid contact with the first lady as tensions between her and Executive Mansion staff mounted.

Defense lawyers are trying to prove that the McDonnell’s marriage was so rocky that the two couldn’t have conspired together to promote Virginia businessman Jonnie Williams’ dietary supplements company in exchange for over $165,000 in luxury goods and loans.

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