Va. Gov. McDonnell Repays Campaign Donor Loans
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Kris Connor/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) — Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell has repaid more than $124,000 in loans to his family from a campaign donor, his office said Tuesday.
The payments come after his tenure has been enveloped in scandal over tens of thousands of dollars in loans and gifts that were given to McDonnell and members of his family.
“I am deeply sorry for the embarrassment certain members of my family and I brought upon my beloved Virginia and her citizens,” McDonnell, a Republican, said in a statement. “I want you to know that I broke no laws and that I am committed to regaining your sacred trust and confidence.”
The company at the center of the controversy is Star Scientific, a nutritional supplements company and its CEO Jonnie R. Williams, who is a political donor to McDonnell’s campaign.
Federal and state investigations are looking into whether the company benefited from the gifts.
The governor said that the money to repay the loans came from his family and their company, which also received loans from Star Scientific.
He repaid $52, 278.17 loan made to his wife Maureen, and $71,837 to repay two loans made to the real estate business he jointly owns with his sister.
McDonnell has also come under fire for thousands of dollars in gifts to his family from the company’s CEO, including $15,000 to defray the cost of his daughter’s 2011 wedding.
The governor’s office has repeatedly denied rumors that he would resign in the wake of the scandal.
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