A post yesterday looked at the deepening problems of Bob "Taliban Bob" McDonnell and "Gift Gate" which was driven apparently in large part by Maureen McDonnell's incredible greed and willingness to sell political favors. McDonnell's defense: he didn't know what his wife was up to. It defies belief and frankly suggests that McDonnell is a liar to boot. Today, the Virginian Pilot calls on McDonnell to do the right thing and resign so as to spare Virginia more seedy headlines and embarrassment. Here are highlights:
Less than a month ago, Gov. Bob McDonnell apologized to Virginians for the financial and ethical controversy swirling around his office. He insisted that he broke no laws and was "committed to regaining your sacred trust and confidence."
In the ensuing weeks, however, new details about McDonnell's relationship with supplement maker Star Scientific and the company's chief executive, Jonnie Williams, have called into question the commitment to restoring that trust. Worse, the revelations have raised substantial new questions about the governor's ties to the company.
Those details include additional gifts provided by Williams to the governor's family, as well as confirmation that the governor's wife, Maureen McDonnell, twice purchased shares of Star Scientific stock with money loaned to her by Williams.
As The Pilot's Julian Walker reported, those stock purchases establish a direct financial connection between the McDonnells and the company that the governor and first lady have touted during his term. The governor's explanation - that he didn't know the extent of his wife's financial dealings with Williams - doesn't change that.
Star Scientific is the focus of a federal securities investigation and is embroiled in a $700,000 tax lawsuit against the state. Yet Virginia's first family owned shares in the company and accepted lavish gifts, including designer clothes, a Rolex and tens of thousands of dollars in loans, from the company's CEO.
On Monday, The Washington Post reported, federal officials met with attorneys for the governor and his wife to discuss whether the couple should be charged. That is a dire prospect, one that underscores the magnitude of the situation and the need for steady leadership and credible reform of the system that enabled the current mess.
McDonnell's failure to completely disclose his family's financial ties to Star Scientific has diminished his credibility and drained his capacity to lead the commonwealth. The latest revelations, even without the possibility of an indictment of the commonwealth's chief executive, make the prospect of his continued leadership untenable. He must devote his full attention to sorting out his personal and legal problems.
For the good of his office, of the state and of every Virginian - and for the good of his family and of himself - McDonnell should resign.
The Pilot is correct in its analysis. I would only add that voters need to remember that Ken Cuccinelli was in bed with Williams and Star Scientific as well. He merely received fewer gifts. Or at least that's what he is telling everyone.
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