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Bob McDonnell Goes on Trial Today

The federal corruption trial of the former Virginia governor and his wife begins Monday.

The federal corruption trial of former Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell and his wife Maureen starts on Monday, with the couple charged with selling political favors for a loan, gifts and vacations. McDonnell, 60, a Republican once mentioned as a potential presidential candidate, and the former first lady face a 14-count indictment alleging they accepted about $165,000 from a Virginia businessman in exchange for helping his dietary supplement company.

The McDonnells deny the charges, contending in court filings there is no evidence they agreed to use their power to aid the executive, Jonnie Williams, founder of dietary supplement company Star Scientific Inc.

Prosecutors say the gifts to McDonnell and his wife ranged from an engraved $6,500 Rolex watch to wedding and engagement presents and money for the couple's daughters, and a $15,000 shopping spree for Maureen McDonnell. Other favors included a $50,000 loan and golf outings and equipment, prosecutors say. Virginia governors are limited to one term and McDonnell left office in January.

Prosecutors say that in exchange for the gifts, McDonnell introduced the company to Virginia health officials. He also promoted Star's products, including suggesting to state universities that they conduct studies related to the products, the indictment said.

Much of the pre-trial legal wrangling has centered on whether what the McDonnells did was illegal or just unseemly. Lawyers have clashed over the definition of official acts and whether the couple abused their offices or extended Williams routine courtesies.

Daniel Luzer is GOVERNING's news editor.
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