RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review his public corruption convictions.
McDonnell's attorneys filed their petition Tuesday, arguing that he was convicted based on an overly broad definition of corruption that puts all elected officials at risk of prosecution.
Prosecutors have 30 days to respond. The justices have no deadline for deciding whether to consider the appeal.
McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, were convicted in September 2014 of doing favors for a former vitamin executive in exchange for more than $165,000 in gifts and loans. A federal appeals court has upheld the former governor's convictions and has scheduled a hearing in his wife's case for Oct. 29. Both were sentenced to prison but remain free while they pursue appeals.
Maureen McDonnell
Prosecutors are opposing former Virginia first lady Maureen McDonnell's request to delay a hearing in her case while the U.S. Supreme Court considers whether to review her husband's public corruption convictions.
In papers filed Tuesday with the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, prosecutors say the public "has a significant interest in the prompt resolution of the McDonnells' appeals."
The appeals court has upheld Bob McDonnell's convictions but has allowed him to remain free while he seeks a Supreme Court review.
The court has scheduled a hearing in Maureen McDonnell's case for Oct. 29. She also remains free during her appeal.
