SHAFAQNA – Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell is back on the witness stand as his public corruption trial enters its fifth week.
McDonnell began testifying in his own defense Wednesday, denying that he provided special favors to a wealthy vitamin executive who gave him and his family more than $165,000 in gifts and loans. He will answer more questions Monday from the lawyer for his co-defendant, wifeMaureen McDonnell, before undergoing cross-examination by prosecutors.
Last week, the governor testified about his marital problems. That’s a key element of a defense strategy that suggests the McDonnells and his wife could not have conspired because they were barely speaking to each other. The defense also has tried to pin most of the alleged scheme on Maureen McDonnell, who was not a public official.