Supreme Court seems poised to overturn ex-governor’s conviction

Associated Press

WASHINGTON

The Supreme Court could make it tougher for the government to crack down on public corruption, signaling Wednesday that it may overturn former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell’s federal bribery conviction.

Justices across the ideological spectrum expressed concerns during arguments in the case that current laws give prosecutors too much power to criminalize the everyday things politicians do to help constituents.

The case has broad implications for prosecutors who have relied on federal bribery laws to convict prominent political figures such as former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and former Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman. And it could impact the current case against New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez, charged with accepting campaign contributions and luxury trips from a wealthy donor in exchange for performing political favors.

McDonnell, who was in the courtroom with his wife, Maureen, to watch the arguments, was convicted in 2014 of accepting more than $165,000 in gifts and loans from a wealthy businessman in exchange for promoting a dietary supplement.

At issue is a federal law that bars public officials from accepting money or gifts in exchange for “official acts.” The court is trying to clarify what distinguishes bribery from the routine actions – setting up meetings, attending conferences – that politicians often do for those they represent.

Both Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Stephen Breyer suggested the bribery law could be considered unconstitutionally vague.