Bipartisan Group Appeals Gov. McDonnell's Conviction

A large group of former state attorneys general are appealing the conviction of former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell.

They're asking a federal appeals court to toss out his corruption conviction, saying the case sets a dangerous precedent that will stifle America's public servants.

A bipartisan group of 23 Democrats and 21 Republicans filed a brief arguing that McDonnell's actions should have been dealt with by Virginia, not the federal government.

"At the very least, it empowers federal prosecutors to charge state officials with crimes for routine political pleasantries, casting a fog over every dinner with a constituent or appearance at a fundraiser," they wrote.

In September, a jury found McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, guilty of accepting more than $165,000 in gifts, vacations, and loans from Jonnie Williams, a former business executive, in exchange for promoting his products.

But Williams never received anything tangible in return for the gifts, and the attorneys general say McDonnell did nothing beyond normal politics.

They say if the convictions stand, attorneys general will be hard pressed to advise their clients "whether activities previously thought innocent now carry the threat of federal criminal liability."

The former governor was sentenced to two years in prison. His wife was sentenced to one year and one day.

After the sentence was handed down, McDonnell apologized for his mistakes, saying he did not violate his oath of office and will continue to fight to prove his innocence.

"Most importantly, I have faith in the justice system. But I have tremendous faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and his ability," McDonnell said. "That is my hope for ultimate vindication."

Meanwhile, six former Virginia attorneys general, including four Democrats, filed a separate friend-of-the-court brief saying they would not have concluded that McDonnell's actions were illegal.

Two groups of law professors and a group of 120 business and public policy leaders are also standing with the former governor.

McDonnell is currently out on bail, awaiting oral arguments for his appeal, which is set to begin in May.