WASHINGTON (AP) – In its final argument of the term, the Supreme Court will weigh a former Virginia governor’s contention that doing favors for a businessman who gave him gifts like a Rolex watch, golf outings and money for wedding catering did not amount to public corruption.
The court’s decision in former Gov. Bob McDonnell’s appeal is expected to have wide implications for politicians and public officials by clarifying what distinguishes bribery from routine actions they often perform as a courtesy to constituents.
McDonnell was convicted of accepting more than $165,000 in gifts and loans from a wealthy businessman in exchange for promoting a dietary supplement. He insists his conduct in helping Star Scientific Inc. CEO Jonnie Williams never crossed the legal line into “official action.”
Lawyers for McDonnell will ask the high court on Wednesday to place new limits on the reach of federal bribery laws used to prosecute public officials.
There is no dispute that McDonnell and his wife hosted a product launch for Williams at the governor’s mansion, attended other events promoting Star Scientific’s products and asked other state officials to meet with Williams.