US high court to hear ex-governor’s corruption appeal

In this May 12, 2105 file photo, Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell leaves the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeal in Richmond, Va. The Supreme Court will hear McDonnell’s appeal of his public corruption convictions. The justices said Friday, Jan. 15, 2016, that they will review lower court rulings that upheld the convictions based on what McDonnell says is an overly broad definition of bribery. AP File Photo

WASHINGTON, United States—The US Supreme Court said Friday it would hear an appeal from Robert McDonnell, a former Virginia governor and rising Republican star who was convicted of corruption and faces two years in prison.

The nine justices are set to make a ruling by late June, in a blow to Democratic President Barack Obama’s administration, which had tried to have the case thrown out.

McDonnell and his wife, who was also convicted, have yet to serve their respective sentences and have instead been released on bond while their appeals are pending.

McDonnell, 61, was found guilty in 2014 of using his influence as governor to gain favors for local businessman Jonnie Williams in exchange for loans, luxury goods and vacations.

His wife, Maureen, had received a sentence of a year and one day.

McDonnell had been considered a top potential running mate of then-Republican presidential contender Mitt Romney in 2012.

McDonnell’s downfall was spectacular, as the politician had once been seen as practically irreproachable.

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