Supreme Court Will Hear Former Gov. Bob McDonnell's Conviction Appeal

Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell's will get his day before the Supreme Court to appeal his public corruption convictions.

The justices said Friday they will review a lower court ruling that upheld his convictions.

"I am very grateful to the U.S. Supreme Court for its decision today to hear my case. I am innocent of these crimes and ask the Court to reverse these convictions," McDonnell said in a statement.

"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," he said.

McDonnell was convicted in 2014 and sentenced to two years in prison for taking money and gifts in exchange for promoting a dietary supplement while he was in office.

The Obama administration had urged the court to reject the appeal. But a bipartisan group of Republican and Democrats rallied to defend McDonnell, contending that his case sets a dangerous precedent that will stifle America's public servants.

McDonnell's wife, Maureen, was also sentenced to a year and a day in prison. Her appeal is on hold until the Supreme Court decides her husband's case.

The former governor's case will likely be argued in April and decided by the end of June.