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McDonnells guilty: Politicians, others react to McDonnell verdicts

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Politicians and others from around the state are reacting to the conviction of Bob and Maureen McDonnell.

Here are some of them (this story will be updated throughout the day):

Gov. Terry McAuliffe

“I am deeply saddened by the events of the trial that ended in today’s verdict, and the impact it has had on our commonwealth’s reputation for honesty and clean government.

“Dorothy and I will continue to pray for the McDonnell family and for everyone who was affected by this trial.”

Attorney General Mark Herring

“We have a long way to go to restore the public’s trust after this embarrassing and difficult period for the commonwealth of Virginia. If there was somehow still any doubt, it should be crystal clear that the people of Virginia deserve real ethics reform that will turn off the spigot of gifts, tickets, and trips that opens the door to abuse and undermines public confidence in our government. That’s why on the day I was sworn in I implemented a strict gift ban and ethics policy for the Office of the Attorney General. It applies to me, my family, and employees and it says no gifts worth $25 or more, no more than $100 from any person in a year, and it doesn’t distinguish between tangible and intangible gifts. In the upcoming legislative session, I hope the General Assembly will move much closer to the gift bans that Governor McAuliffe and I have implemented.”

Former Gov. and U.S. Sen. George Allen

“Integrity is paramount in public service and for the public trust. This whole matter has been a stunningly sad and disturbing trial for Virginia regardless of one’s political persuasion. While the jury decision in this unprecedented case will be appealed, Virginians expect the General Assembly to act to assure stronger, more transparent disclosure standards in Virginia’s ethics laws.”

State Sen. Thomas K. “Tommy” Norment, R-James City

“It is with disappointment, for the McDonnell family and the people of Virginia, that the trial of Bob and Maureen McDonnell has concluded with verdicts of ‘guilty.’

“The past six weeks have been gut-wrenching, with media accounts occasionally bordering on the prurient. While I do not personally agree with this verdict or the decision by the Department of Justice to prosecute the McDonnells, my respect for our system of jurisprudence remains.

“The commonwealth and the McDonnell family have suffered greatly during this investigation and trial. Virginia politics will be forever changed from this experience, and I look forward to all of us being able to move on and move forward.

“Governor McDonnell served Virginia with distinction, leading the commonwealth through challenging times while amassing an impressive record of accomplishments that will endure long beyond his four-year term. He distinguished himself as a productive and prolific member of the General Assembly and an accomplished attorney general. Ultimately, the ordeal of this trial should not diminish that record.

“My thoughts and prayers today are with the entire McDonnell family. The families of elected public officials often must endure the rigors and scrutiny of a public life they neither sought nor desired. Former first lady Maureen McDonnell and the McDonnell children have borne a burden that accompanies being part of a family that includes a public figure. With this trial concluded, and as the McDonnells explore their legal options, I hope their right to privacy will be respected by all.”

State Sen. John Miller, D-Newport News

“It’s a sad day for the commonwealth. My thoughts and prayers are with the McDonnells during this very difficult time. The personal toll taken by this case has been enormous. It’s just a very sad day. I’ve known Gov. McDonnell for three decades.”

On whether the verdict was appropriate:

“I’m not going to go beyond what I said. I wasn’t in the courtroom every day and didn’t hear the evidence. I think (Gov. McAuliffe) has said he is going to propose some changes to the ethics law when we go back in January. I think there are some loopholes that need to be closed.”

State Del. David Yancey, R-Newport News

“I am saddened to hear the guilty verdict of former Gov. Bob McDonnell. I am grateful and appreciative of his service to our country and the commonwealth. He spent 38 years working to improve our state and fight for his fellow Virginians and his record as governor speaks for itself.

“Nevertheless, part of what makes our country great is our justice system. The jury has rendered its verdict and the McDonnells will have an opportunity to appeal it if they choose to do so. I pray for the McDonnell family during this difficult time.”

House Speaker William Howell, R-Stafford

“This is a sad day for Virginia. I have known Bob McDonnell for a long time and consider him a very good friend of mine. He spent 38 years in public service and his record as governor speaks for itself.

“I believe in the justice system and I am not going second guess the jury. The jury rendered its verdict and the McDonnells have an opportunity to appeal. That’s the way the system works.

“I am proud to call Bob McDonnell my friend and I pray for him and his family during this difficult time.”

Del. Brenda Pogge, R-James City

“I just cannot believe it. The things he was accused of – for the most part a lot of it is in the daily business of being of the governor. As the testimony was unraveling and coming out I could understand a lot of the positions he found himself him in. There was no quid pro quo. I did not think he was going to be found guilty. I did not think 12 adults in their right mind could say he was guilty of corruption.

“I’m emotional because I know Bob McDonnell. I’ve known him for close to 20 years. I know him to be exactly who Janet Kelly said he was, an Eagle Scout. I know this guy. I don’t believe for a minute that he intended to take a bribe or anything. I just don’t believe it for a minute.”

State Del. David J. Toscano, D-Charlottesville

“Whatever one thinks about the actions of the former governor and first lady, you cannot help but be saddened by what has happened to them and to our commonwealth. The decision today closes a depressing chapter in Virginia history. The jury carefully considered the evidence and has now spoken. With its verdict, it sends a clear message that public officials are not above the law and that those of us who have the honor to serve have a special responsibility to keep the public trust.

“I hope this verdict will improve the prospects of enacting further ethics and campaign finance reform in the commonwealth.”

U.S. Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, D-Newport News

“This is a sad day in the history of our commonwealth. Today’s verdict will require Congress to clarify the exact meaning of ‘honest services’ and will encourage state legislatures to adopt meaningful gift bans.

“My thoughts and prayers are with Bob and Maureen McDonnell and their children.”

Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va.

“The jury has spoken. This is a sad day for Virginia. I have known and worked with Bob McDonnell for more than 20 years, and my thoughts today are with Bob, Maureen, and their children. I urge all Virginians to keep the McDonnell family in their prayers.”

Richard Kelsey, associate dean at George Mason University School of Law

“Bob McDonnell gambled on his political charm … and lost. He turned down a single plea agreement, and today was convicted on multiple counts of fraud and corruption. He becomes the first Virginia governor convicted of a felony.

“After a long, difficult case that was fact intensive, it seemed like the governor may have charmed the jury — until the government closed brilliantly, piecing together the time line and the fraud. Against a back drop in this country where trust in government is at an all-time low, this jury moved swiftly through complicated facts to find the governor guilty. The jury obviously did not buy the crazy wife defense. They rejected the friend defense, and that flatly rejected the governor’s testimony that he knew in his heart he did nothing wrong.”

From outside the courthouse:

Ned Tosi, 29, said he was on his way to an ethics class at Virginia Commonwealth University when he stopped to see the commotion. He said he is “not at all” surprised at the verdict.

Earl Boatwright, 43, of Richmond, said it was “about what I expected.”

“You can tell the humble people from the greedy people when it comes to money…money can be good, but it can be the root of evil.”

Bill Piper, 66, works down the street and “just decided to come up here to see.”

“From what I was following, I agree with the verdict. What happened was sleazy, and the defense was a disgraceful team effort, to throw Mrs. McDonnell under the bus. I’m sure she was complicit in the planning of the defense.”