In an awkward turn of events, it was revealed Wednesday that Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli appointed a special prosecutor to investigate whether Gov. Bob McDonnell, a fellow Republican and supporter of Cuccinelli’s gubernatorial bid this year, violated state disclosure laws.
“I did what I have consistently tried to do as attorney general, which is to uphold the law impartially,” Cuccinelli said in a statement, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch. “I made a referral to Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Mike Herring in November 2012 to conduct an investigation into possible violations of financial disclosure provisions, as information came to my attention that triggered my requirement to look into the matter. The law also requires me to designate a commonwealth’s attorney with independent discretion to investigate the matter further. My referral to Mr. Herring was not a conclusion that any violation occurred. Under the law, that conclusion will be made by Mr. Herring alone.”
