Supreme Court to review McDonnell conviction

Andrew Harnik / Associated Press
Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell leaves the Supreme Court in Washington, Wednesday, April 27, 2016, after the Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the corruption case against McDonnell. The Supreme Court seems likely to overturn the conviction of McDonnell on political corruption charges and place new limits on the reach of federal bribery laws.
Alex Wong / Getty Images
RICHMOND, VA - SEPTEMBER 04: Former Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell (2nd R) leaves U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia with his son Bobby (R) after he was found guilty in his corruption trial September 4, 2014, in Richmond, Virginia. The jury found McDonnell guilty of 11 corruption-related counts, and his wife Maureen McDonnell of eight counts. They were on trial for accepting gifts, vacations and loans from a Virginia businessman in exchange for helping his company. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press
Former Virginia governor Bob McDonnell talks to the media outside the federal courthouse in Richmond after being given a two year prison sentence Tuesday.
Joe Fudge / Daily Press
Former Gov. Bob McDonnell exits the courthouse on Monday after day 21 of the McDonnells' corruption trial in Richmond. McDonnell faced his accusers Monday, fielding the prosecution's questions with a set jaw, a narrowed stare and careful pauses before short yes and no answers.
Joe Fudge / Daily Press
Maureen McDonnell is flanked by her two daughters as she prepares to enter federal court in Richmond, Va., on Monday.
Joe Fudge / Daily Press
Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell enters Federal District Court Monday on the first day of his trial on corruption charges. Gov. McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, stand accused of accepting lavish gifts and loans from Johnnie Williams knowing he wanted something in return.
Joe Fudge / Daily Press
Press gather for photographs and video of Maureen McDonnell as she walks into the federal courthouse Monday morning.
Jonathon Gruenke / Daily Press
Maureen McDonnell, wife of former Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell, exits the federal courthouse in Richmond with her children after her sentencing Friday morning.
Steve Helber / Associated Press
Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell arrives at federal court with his daughter Cailin Young on Tuesday in Richmond, Va. McDonnell, once a top Republican prospect for national office, was convicted for selling the influence of his office to the CEO of a dietary supplements company.
Travis Fain / Daily Press
Former Gov. Bob McDonnell leaves the courthouse after testifying in his own defense during his trial Thursday in Richmond.
Travis Fain/Daily Press
Former Star Scientific CEO Jonnie R. Williams Sr., center, is surrounded by members of the media outside the federal courthouse in Richmond Wednesday after testifying in the case against former Gov. Bob McDonnell.
Steve Helber / Associated Press
Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell arrives at federal court for sentencing in Richmond, Va., on Tuesday. McDonnell, once a top Republican prospect for national office, was convicted for selling the influence of his office to the CEO of a dietary supplements company.
Jonathon Gruenke / Daily Press
Maureen McDonnell, wife of former Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell, enters the federal courthouse in Richmond before her sentencing Friday morning.
Traivs Fain / Daily Press
Bob McDonnell addresses the media as he stands by his son Bobby outside the courthouse in Richmond after his case was sent to the jury Monday.
Andrew Harnik / Associated Press
Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell speaks outside the Supreme Court in Washington, Wednesday, April 27, 2016, after the Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the corruption case of McDonnell. The Supreme Court seems likely to overturn the conviction of McDonnell on political corruption charges and place new limits on the reach of federal bribery laws.
Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press
Former Virginia governor Bob McDonnell with his son Bobby and sister Maureen walks down Broad St. in Richmond to the federal courthouse as the second day of jury deliberations finished up Wednesday.
Kaitlin McKeown / Daily Press
A woman peers into a window of the federal courthouse in Richmond as people wait for former Gov. Bob McDonnell and former First Lady Maureen McDonnell to exit after they were found guilty on multiple counts in their corruption trial on Thursday.
Travis Fain/Daily Press
Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell leaving the courthouse in Richmond on Tuesday in the second day of the corruption trial against McDonnell and his wife, Maureen.
Joe Fudge / Daily Press
Former Gov. Bob McDonnell, center, faced his accusers Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, fielding the prosecution's questions with a set jaw, a narrowed stare and careful pauses before short yes and no answers.
Travis Fain / Daily Press
Paul Perito, Star Scientific's former board chairman, leaves the Richmond courthouse Friday after giving testimony in the corruption trial of former Gov. Bob McDonnell.
Traivs Fain / Daily Press
Bob McDonnell addresses the media as he stands by his son Bobby outside the courthouse in Richmond after his case was sent to the jury Monday.
Jonathon Gruenke / Daily Press
Former Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell, enters the federal courthouse in Richmond before Maureen McDonnell's sentencing Friday morning.
Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press
Former Virginia governor Bob McDonnell leaves the federal courthouse in Richmond after being sentenced to two years in prison after being convicted on corruption charges.
Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press
Former Virginia governor Bob McDonnell with his son Bobby and sister Maureen walks down Broad St. in Richmond to the federal courthouse as the second day of jury deliberations finished up Wednesday.
Kaitlin McKeown / Daily Press
Former Gov. Bob McDonnell walks with family into the federal courthouse in Richmond on Thursday afternoon.
Jonathon Gruenke / Daily Press
Maureen McDonnell leaves the courthouse after former Gov. Bob McDonnell testified in his own defense during trial Wednesday in Richmond.
Jonathon Gruenke / Daily Press
Former Governor Bob McDonnell answers questions from reporters as he leaves the courthouse after testifying his own defense during his trial Wednesday in Richmond.
Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press
Former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell talks about his life after leaving office and his trial on corruption charges from his new consulting business in Virginia Beach.
Alex Wong / Getty Images
RICHMOND, VA - SEPTEMBER 04: Former Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell (2nd R) returns with family members, including his son Bobby (R), to U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia September 4, 2014, in Richmond, Virginia. The jury found McDonnell guilty of 11 corruption-related counts, and his wife Maureen McDonnell of eight counts. They were on trial for accepting gifts, vacations and loans from a Virginia businessman in exchange for helping his company. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Daily Press
Photos from the government evidence file in the Bob McDonnell corruption case.
Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press
Former Virginia governor Bob McDonnell with his son Bobby and sister Maureen walks down Broad St. in Richmond to the federal courthouse as the second day of jury deliberations finished up Wednesday.
Daily Press
Photos from the government evidence file in the Bob McDonnell corruption case. No Mags, No Sales, No Internet, No TV
Steve Helber / Associated Press
Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, center, arrives at federal court with his attorneys, Henry Asbill, left, and John Brownlee, right, in Richmond, Va., Tuesday, May 12, 2015. McDonnell appears before a three judge panel of the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals for a hearing on the appeal of his corruption conviction. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) ORG XMIT: VASH105
Kaitlin McKeown / Daily Press
Former Gov. Bob McDonnell is swarmed by media as he leaves the federal courthouse after being found guilty on multiple counts on Thursday afternoon in Richmond.
Jonathon Gruenke / Daily Press
Maureen McDonnell, wife of former Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell, exits the federal courthouse in Richmond with her children after her sentencing Friday morning.
Andrew Harnik / Associated Press
Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell speaks outside the Supreme Court in Washington, Wednesday, April 27, 2016, after the Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the corruption case of McDonnell. The Supreme Court seems likely to overturn the conviction of McDonnell on political corruption charges and place new limits on the reach of federal bribery laws.
Daily Press
Photos from the government evidence file in the Bob McDonnell corruption case.
Alex Wong / Getty Images
RICHMOND, VA - Former Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell, shown here arriving at his corruption trial at U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia September 4, 2014.
Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press
Former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell talks about his life after leaving office and his trial on corruption charges from his new consulting business in Virginia Beach.
Travis Fain/Daily Press
Former Virginia First Lady Maureen McDonnell leaves the Richmond courthouse with a defense attorney, Heather Martin.
Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press
Former Virginia governor Bob McDonnell waits inside the federal courthouse in Richmond Tuesday for his sentencing hearing to begin. He was convicted last summer of corruption.
Travis Fain / Daily Press
Former Gov. Bob McDonnell leaves the courthouse after testifying in his own defense during his trial Thursday in Richmond.
Joe Fudge / Daily Press
Maureen McDonnell is flanked by her two daughters as she prepares to enter federal court in Richmond, Va., on Monday.
Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press
Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell converses with former NFL star Bruce Smith as McDonnell's daughter Cailin Young looks on before the start of his sentencing hearing Tuesday at U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia in Richmond.
Travis Fain/Daily Press /
Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell exits the federal courthouse in Richmond on Thursday following the 4th day in the McDonnells' corruption trial.
Jonathon Gruenke / Daily Press
Maureen McDonnell, wife of former Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell, exits the federal courthouse in Richmond with her children after her sentencing Friday morning.
Alex Wong / Getty Images
RICHMOND, VA - SEPTEMBER 04: Former Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell (2nd R) leaves U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia with family members, including his son Bobby (R), after he found guilty in his corruption trial September 4, 2014, in Richmond, Virginia. The jury found McDonnell guilty of 11 corruption-related counts, and his wife Maureen McDonnell of eight counts. They were on trial for accepting gifts, vacations and loans from a Virginia businessman in exchange for helping his company. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Andrew Harnik / Associated Press
Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, second from left, accompanied by his wife Maureen McDonnell, right, walks out of the Supreme Court in Washington, Wednesday, April 27, 2016, after the Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the corruption case of McDonnell. The Supreme Court seems likely to overturn the conviction of McDonnell on political corruption charges and place new limits on the reach of federal bribery laws.
Travis Fain/Daily Press
Former Virginia First Lady Maureen McDonnell leaves the Richmond courthouse with a defense attorney, Heather Martin.
Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press
NFL hall of famer Bruce Smith arrives at the federal coutrhouse in Richmond Tuesday for the sentencing of former governor Bob McDonnell.
Jonathon Gruenke / Daily Press
Maureen McDonnell, wife of former Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell, enters the federal courthouse in Richmond before her sentencing Friday morning.
Daily Press
Photos from the government evidence file in the Bob McDonnell corruption case.
Joe Fudge / Daily Press
Members of the press gather outside federal court in Richmond, Va., for the trial of former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and his wife, Maureen McDonnell, Monday.
Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press
Former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell talks about his life after leaving office and his trial on corruption charges from his new consulting business in Virginia Beach.
Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press
Former Virginia governor Bob McDonnell talks to the media outside the federal courthouse in Richmond after being given a two year prison sentence Tuesday.
Daily Press
Photos from the government evidence file in the Bob McDonnell corruption case.
Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press
Former Virginia governor Bob McDonnell with his son Bobby and sister Maureen walks into the federal courthouse as the second day of jury deliberations finished up Wednesday.
Jonathon Gruenke / Daily Press
Former Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell, enters the federal courthouse in Richmond before Maureen McDonnell's sentencing Friday morning.
Jonathon Gruenke / Daily Press
Former Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell, exits the federal courthouse in Richmond after Maureen McDonnell's sentencing Friday afternoon.
Steve Helber / Associated Press
Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell answers reporters questions as he leaves the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals after a hearing the appeal of his corruption conviction in Richmond, Va., Tuesday, May 12, 2015. McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, were convicted of taking more than $165,000 in gifts and loans from a wealthy businessman in exchange for promoting his company's dietary supplements. The former governor was sentenced to two years in prison, his wife to one year and one day. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) ORG XMIT: VASH108
Travis Fain/Daily Press
The prosecution's witness in former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell's corruption trial, Jonnie Williams, leaves the courthouse today.
Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press
Former Virginia governor Bob McDonnell talks to the media outside the federal courthouse in Richmond after being given a two year prison sentence Tuesday.
Daily Press
Photos from the government evidence file in the Bob McDonnell corruption case.
Steve Helber / Associated Press
Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, at podium, answers reporters questions outside the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals after a hearing the appeal of his corruption conviction in Richmond, Va., Tuesday, May 12, 2015. McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, were convicted of taking more than $165,000 in gifts and loans from a wealthy businessman in exchange for promoting his company's dietary supplements. The former governor was sentenced to two years in prison, his wife to one year and one day. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) ORG XMIT: VASH109
Andrew Harnik / Associated Press
Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, left, accompanied by his wife Maureen McDonnell, right, walks out of the Supreme Court in Washington, Wednesday, April 27, 2016, after the Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the corruption case of McDonnell. The Supreme Court seems likely to overturn the conviction of McDonnell on political corruption charges and place new limits on the reach of federal bribery laws.
Kaitlin McKeown / Daily Press
Media congregate near the intersection of Broad Street and 7th Street after former Gov. Bob McDonnell and former First Lady Maureen McDonnell left the federal courthouse on Thursday.
Alex Wong / Getty Images
RICHMOND, VA - SEPTEMBER 04: Former Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell (L) leaves U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia with his son Bobby (R) after he was found guilty in his corruption trial September 4, 2014, in Richmond, Virginia. The jury found McDonnell guilty of 11 corruption-related counts, and his wife Maureen McDonnell of eight counts. They were on trial for accepting gifts, vacations and loans from a Virginia businessman in exchange for helping his company. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Daily Press
Photos from the government evidence file in the Bob McDonnell corruption case.
Andrew Harnik / Associated Press
Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell leaves the Supreme Court in Washington, Wednesday, April 27, 2016, after the Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the corruption case against McDonnell. The Supreme Court seems likely to overturn the conviction of McDonnell on political corruption charges and place new limits on the reach of federal bribery laws.
Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press
Former Virginia governor Bob McDonnell talks to the media outside the federal courthouse in Richmond after being given a two year prison sentence Tuesday.
Joe Fudge / Daily Press
Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell talks to the press Monday before entering the federal courthouse in Richmond for the first day of trial for him and his wife, Maureen.
Kaitlin McKeown / Daily Press
Former First Lady Maureen McDonnell arrives at the federal courthouse on Thursday afternoon in Richmond.
Kaitlin McKeown / Daily Press
Former Gov. Bob McDonnell, center, walks with family and friends down Broad Street to the federal courthouse on Thursday afternoon in Richmond.
Jonathon Gruenke / Daily Press
Former Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell, enters the federal courthouse in Richmond before Maureen McDonnell's sentencing Friday morning.
Andrew Harnik / Associated Press
Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, left, accompanied by his wife Maureen McDonnell, right, walks out of the Supreme Court in Washington, Wednesday, April 27, 2016, after the Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the corruption case of McDonnell. The Supreme Court seems likely to overturn the conviction of McDonnell on political corruption charges and place new limits on the reach of federal bribery laws.
Joe Fudge / Daily Press
Former Gov. Bob McDonnell, center, faced his accusers Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, fielding the prosecution's questions with a set jaw, a narrowed stare and careful pauses before short yes and no answers during day 21 of his corruption trial.
Jonathon Gruenke / Daily Press
Maureen McDonnell, wife of former Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell, exits the federal courthouse in Richmond with her children after her sentencing Friday morning.
Steve Helber / Associated Press
Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell answers reporters questions as he leaves the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals after a hearing the appeal of his corruption conviction in Richmond, Va., Tuesday, May 12, 2015. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) ORG XMIT: VASH110
Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press
Former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell talks about his life after leaving office and his trial on corruption charges from his new consulting business in Virginia Beach.
Jonathon Gruenke / Daily Press
Media trucks line 7th street before the start of sentencing for Maureen McDonnell, wife of former Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell, at the federal courthouse in Richmond Friday morning.
Travis Fain/Daily Press
Former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell is approached by media after another day of his corruption trial, in Richmond.
Jonathon Gruenke / Daily Press
Maureen McDonnell leaves the courthouse after former Gov. Bob McDonnell testified in his own defense during trial Wednesday in Richmond.
Andrew Harnik / Associated Press
Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, center, is surrounded by members of the media as he leaves the Supreme Court in Washington, Wednesday, April 27, 2016, after the Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the corruption case against McDonnell. The Supreme Court seems likely to overturn the conviction of McDonnell on political corruption charges and place new limits on the reach of federal bribery laws.
Kaitlin McKeown / Daily Press
Media congregate around the door of the federal courthouse in Richmond as members of the McDonnell family prepare to exit on Thursday afternoon.
Andrew Harnik / Associated Press
Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, fourth from left, walks out of the Supreme Court in Washington, Wednesday, April 27, 2016, after the Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the corruption case of McDonnell. The Supreme Court seems likely to overturn the conviction of McDonnell on political corruption charges and place new limits on the reach of federal bribery laws.
Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press
Former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell talks about his life after leaving office and his trial on corruption charges from his new consulting business in Virginia Beach.
Steve Helber / Associated Press
Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, left, and attorney Henry Asbill, right, arrive at the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals for a hearing on the appeal of McDonnell's corruption conviction, in Richmond, Va., Tuesday, May 12, 2015. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) ORG XMIT: VASH102
Jonathon Gruenke / Daily Press
Members of the media wait for Maureen McDonnell, wife of former Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell, to enter the federal courthouse in Richmond before her sentencing Friday morning.
Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press
Maureen McDonnell walks into the federal courthouse in Richmond Wednesday as the second day of jury deliberations comes to an end.
Steve Helber / Associated Press
Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, center, answers reporters questions as he leaves the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals after a hearing the appeal of his corruption conviction in Richmond, Va., Tuesday, May 12, 2015. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press
Former Virginia governor Bob McDonnell enters the federal court in Richmond Tuesday for his sentencing hearing.
Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press
Former Virginia governor Bob McDonnell is swarmed by local and national media after leaving the federal courthouse in Richmond. The jury in his corruption case did not reach a verdict after the second day of deliberations Wednesday.
Joe Fudge / Daily Press
Former Gov. Bob McDonnell exits the courthouse on Monday, Aug. 25, 2014.
Travis Fain/Daily Press
Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell leaving the courthouse in Richmond on Tuesday in the second day of the corruption trial against McDonnell and his wife, Maureen.
Daily Press
Photos from the government evidence file in the Bob McDonnell corruption case.
Alex Wong / Getty Images
RICHMOND, VA - SEPTEMBER 04: Former Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell (2nd R) leaves U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia with family members, including his son Bobby (R), after he found guilty in his corruption trial September 4, 2014, in Richmond, Virginia. The jury found McDonnell guilty of 11 corruption-related counts, and his wife Maureen McDonnell of eight counts. They were on trial for accepting gifts, vacations and loans from a Virginia businessman in exchange for helping his company. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press
Former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell talks about his life after leaving office and his trial on corruption charges from his new consulting business in Virginia Beach.
Travis Fain/Daily Press /
Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell exits the federal courthouse in Richmond on Thursday following the 4th day in the McDonnells' corruption trial.
Jonathon Gruenke / Daily Press
Former Governor Bob McDonnell answers questions from reporters as he leaves the courthouse after testifying his own defense during his trial Wednesday in Richmond.
Andrew Harnik / Associated Press
Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell speaks outside the Supreme Court in Washington, Wednesday, April 27, 2016, after the Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the corruption case against McDonnell. The Supreme Court seems likely to overturn the conviction of McDonnell on political corruption charges and place new limits on the reach of federal bribery laws.
Travis Fain / Daily Press
Paul Perito, Star Scientific's former board chairman, leaves the Richmond courthouse Friday after giving testimony in the corruption trial of former Gov. Bob McDonnell.
Travis Fain/Daily Press
Former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell is approached by media after another day of his corruption trial, in Richmond.
Joe Fudge / Daily Press
Maureen McDonnell exits the courthouse in Richmond on Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, after day 21 of the McDonnells' corruption trial.
Joe Fudge / Daily Press
Former first lady Maureen McDonnell and her husband, Bob McDonnell, were convicted of lending the prestige of the governor's office to Richmond, Virginia businessman Jonnie Williams Sr. in exchange for $177,000 in loans, gifts and luxury goods.
Travis Fain/Daily Press
Former Star Scientific CEO Jonnie R. Williams Sr., center, is surrounded by members of the media outside the federal courthouse in Richmond Wednesday after testifying in the case against former Gov. Bob McDonnell.
Kaitlin McKeown / Daily Press
Former Gov. Bob McDonnell walks with his son, Bobby, into the federal courthouse in Richmond on Thursday afternoon.
Joe Fudge / Daily Press
Former Gov. Bob McDonnell faced his accusers Monday, fielding the prosecution's questions with a set jaw, a narrowed stare and careful pauses before short yes and no answers. McDonnell is shown leaving the courthouse in Richmond on Monday, Aug. 25, 2014 after day 21 of his corruption trial.
Alex Wong / Getty Images
RICHMOND, VA - SEPTEMBER 04: Former Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell (2nd R) leaves U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia with family members, including his son Bobby (R), after he found guilty in his corruption trial September 4, 2014, in Richmond, Virginia. The jury found McDonnell guilty of 11 corruption-related counts, and his wife Maureen McDonnell of eight counts. They were on trial for accepting gifts, vacations and loans from a Virginia businessman in exchange for helping his company. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Kaitlin McKeown / Daily Press
Media trucks wait outside the federal courthouse along 7th Street in Richmond during the third day of jury deliberations in the trial of former Gov. Bob McDonnell and former First Lady Maureen McDonnell.
Jonathon Gruenke / Daily Press
Former Governor Bob McDonnell answers questions from reporters as he leaves the courthouse after testifying his own defense during his trial in Richmond.
Kaitlin McKeown / Daily Press
Media adjust microphones at a podium outside the federal courthouse in Richmond during the third day of jury deliberations in the trial of former Gov. Bob McDonnell and former First Lady Maureen McDonnell.
Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press
Former Virginia governor Bob McDonnell is swarmed by local and national media after leaving the federal courthouse in Richmond. The jury in his corruption case did not reach a verdict after the second day of deliberations Wednesday.
Travis Fain/Daily Press /
Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell exits the federal courthouse in Richmond on Thursday following the 4th day in the McDonnells' corruption trial.
Jonathon Gruenke / Daily Press
Maureen McDonnell, wife of former Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell, enters the federal courthouse in Richmond before her sentencing Friday morning.
Travis Fain/Daily Press
Former Star Scientific CEO Jonnie R. Williams Sr., center, is surrounded by members of the media outside the federal courthouse in Richmond Wednesday after testifying in the case against former Gov. Bob McDonnell.
Jonathon Gruenke / Daily Press
Maureen McDonnell, wife of former Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell, exits the federal courthouse in Richmond with her children after her sentencing Friday morning.
Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press
Former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell talks about his life after leaving office and his trial on corruption charges from his new consulting business in Virginia Beach.
Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press
Former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell talks about his life after leaving office and his trial on corruption charges from his new consulting business in Virginia Beach.
Jonathon Gruenke / Daily Press
Former Governor Bob McDonnell answers questions from reporters as he leaves the courthouse after testifying his own defense during his trial Wednesday in Richmond.
Kaitlin McKeown / Daily Press
Tripods stand in the afternoon sun next to the federal courthouse in Richmond as the media awaits a verdict during the third day of jury deliberations in the trial of former Gov. Bob McDonnell and former First Lady Maureen McDonnell.
Jonathon Gruenke / Daily Press
Former Governor Bob McDonnell answers questions from reporters as he leaves the courthouse after testifying his own defense during his trial Wednesday in Richmond.
Kaitlin McKeown / Daily Press
A pedestrian walks by as media wait outside the federal courthouse in Richmond for a verdict during the third day of jury deliberations in the trial of former Gov. Bob McDonnell and former First Lady Maureen McDonnell.
Steve Helber / Associated Press
Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, second from right, arrives at federal court with his attorneys, Henry Asbill, left, and John Brownlee, right, in Richmond, Va., Tuesday, May 12, 2015. McDonnell appears before a three-judge panel of the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals for a hearing on the appeal of his corruption conviction. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) ORG XMIT: VASH101
Daily Press
Photos from the government evidence file in the Bob McDonnell corruption case. No Mags, No Sales, No Internet, No TV
Steve Helber / Associated Press
Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, second from right, answers questions as he arrives at the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals for a hearing on the appeal of his corruption conviction, in Richmond, Va., Tuesday, May 12, 2015. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) ORG XMIT: VASH203
Daily Press
Photos from the government evidence file in the Bob McDonnell corruption case.
Kaitlin McKeown / Daily Press
Defense lawyer Henry Asbill speaks with media after former Gov. Bob McDonnell was found guilty on multiple counts on Thursday afternoon in Richmond.
Andrew Harnik / Associated Press
Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell leaves the Supreme Court in Washington, Wednesday, April 27, 2016, after the Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the corruption case against McDonnell. The Supreme Court seems likely to overturn the conviction of McDonnell on political corruption charges and place new limits on the reach of federal bribery laws.
Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press
Former Virginia governor Bob McDonnell heads back to his hotel surrounded by local and national media after leaving the federal courthouse in Richmond Wednesday. The jury in his corruption case failed to reach a verdict after a second day of deliberations.
Joe Fudge / Daily Press
The trial of Gov. Bob and Maureen McDonnell began in federal court Monday. Here, Maureen McDonnel stands between the couple's two daughters.
Andrew Harnik / Associated Press
Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell leaves the Supreme Court in Washington, Wednesday, April 27, 2016, after the Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the corruption case against McDonnell. The Supreme Court seems likely to overturn the conviction of McDonnell on political corruption charges and place new limits on the reach of federal bribery laws.

PUBLISHED: January 15, 2016 at 4:02 p.m. | UPDATED: August 17, 2019 at 2:12 a.m.

The U.S. Supreme Court will review Gov. Bob McDonnell’s corruption case, the court announced Friday.

The high court will only concern itself with what has become the case’s main question: Just what constitutes an official act when it comes to federal bribery law.

The court’s decision could set a precedent for the entire country, clarifying what is and isn’t OK when it comes to the quid-pro-quo of money’s influence in modern politics.

“We’ll get a useful guidepost as to what the outer limit of the federal corruption statute is,” said Jeff Bellin, a criminal law expert and professor at William & Mary Law School.

The court won’t consider arguments about jury questioning, it said, or some of the other more technical concerns the McDonnell defense had with his 2014 trial and conviction.

Oral arguments will come as soon as April, though it’s possible the court’s caseload will push that back into the fall. Andrew McBride, a D.C. attorney who has done Supreme Court work, said he’s betting on April, since the court tends to expedite cases where it has provided interim relief.

McDonnell is free on bond, the court granting a reprieve from his two year sentence while it weighed his case. His wife, Maureen McDonnell, is also free, pending her appeal of a yearlong sentence.

Confirmation of the timing will likely come Monday, in the form of a briefing schedule, McBride said.

In an emailed statement Friday afternoon, McDonnell said he was grateful for the court’s decision.

“I am innocent of these crimes and ask the Court to reverse these convictions,” McDonnell said. “I maintain my profound confidence in God’s grace to sustain me and my family, and thank my friends and supporters across the country for their faithfulness over these past three years.”

The former governor has said repeatedly he broke no laws in accepting six figures from Jonnie R. Williams Sr., a dietary supplement salesman who avoided potential charges in this case and another by cutting a deal with federal prosecutors.

No one questioned the quid in the federal case against the McDonnells. They took $120,000 in loans, paperwork free except for some handwritten notes. One of their daughters got $15,000 to cover wedding expenses at the governor’s mansion. They used Williams’ lake house, his private jet, his posh golf club membership and his Ferrari.

It was the “quo” that was lacking. Williams never got any state contracts, nor the state-sponsored product study he told a federal jury he wanted from the McDonnells. He did get invites to the governor’s mansion and special attention from the governor and first lady.

McDonnell’s attorneys, joined by a long list of former attorneys general, other lawyers and politicians, said repeatedly it wasn’t enough to prove corruption, and that the federal government’s definition of bribery in this case is so broad that it would criminalize just about any political career in today’s money-driven system.

McBride, a former federal prosecutor now with the firm Wiley Rein, said he believes McDonnell has a good chance to win that argument now before the high court. Some justices already agree that the government’s definition of honest services fraud is too broad. Others may seek to keep the federal honest services law intact, but believe the best way to do so is to narrow its definition through this case, McBride said.

“I think McDonnell’s in a great spot,” he said. “I said from the start this was a stretch.”

Other legal experts agreed Friday’s announcement was very good news for McDonnell’s side.

“Based on the Court’s decision to grant him bail while it was reviewing the case, you would have to think that he has a great chance to win,” said Kelly Kramer, a white collar defense attorney at Mayer Brown in D.C. “And the Court has imposed significant restrictions on the scope of the Hobbs Act, and the honest services fraud statute in recent years, especially in cases involving state officials.”

Bellin wouldn’t predict which way the case will turn. The Supreme Court can be difficult to predict in general, and this case rests on vague law, he said.

“It’s all judge-made law in this area,” he said. “The statute that the government used here is very vague … so over the years the Supreme Court has tried to fill it in. But there’s a lot of missing pieces.”