Ex-Va. governor gets two years in prison

Associated Press

RICHMOND, Va.

Family members and friends wept softly as former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell told the judge at his sentencing hearing that he couldn’t “fathom any deeper humiliation” for taking bribes from a wealthy businessman to promote a dietary supplement.

Then, the tears mostly stopped. Some even turned to smiles when the judge sentenced McDonnell to two years in prison — far below the 10 years prosecutors originally wanted for the Republican, who once was on the short list to be Mitt Romney’s vice-presidential running mate.

McDonnell, who held his head in his hands and sobbed when he was convicted in September on 11 counts of corruption, was stoic as U.S. District Judge James Spencer delivered the sentence in a courtroom packed with the former governor’s supporters.

McDonnell had asked for no jail time, only community service. In a strong but somber voice, McDonnell told the judge he was “a heartbroken and humbled man” and that he holds himself accountable.

The judge noted the outpouring of support for McDonnell — more than 400 people wrote letters — and concluded that “he is a good and decent man who has done a lot of good in the public area.”

A jury in September found McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, guilty of public corruption.

Maureen McDonnell, who attended Tuesday’s hearing, will be sentenced Feb. 20.