Ken Cuccinelli backs away from Bob McDonnell

The gift scandal is "completely inconsistent with Virginia’s very reserved traditions,” Cuccinelli said

Published July 11, 2013 1:40PM (EDT)

Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli put some distance between himself and fellow Republican, Gov. Bob McDonnell, who is currently embroiled in a scandal over potentially improper gifts he received from a donor.

“What we’ve all been seeing is very painful for Virginia, and it’s completely inconsistent with Virginia’s very reserved traditions,” Cuccinelli said in a statement, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reports.

“Right now there are two investigations running, one of which began with my referral, and we need to let those play out,” he continued. “However, all of this emphasizes the need for clearer and faster disclosures that cover the whole family, as well as a cap on the size and types of gifts.”

Cuccinelli, who is running for governor, was referring to the latest reports that McDonnell received an additional $120,000 in gifts from the CEO of Star Scientific, a company that makes dietary supplements, but did not disclose the gifts in financial filings. The donor, Jonnie R. Williams Sr., also allegedly gave McDonnell $10,000 to pay for for the catering at his daughter's wedding.


By Jillian Rayfield

Jillian Rayfield is an Assistant News Editor for Salon, focusing on politics. Follow her on Twitter at @jillrayfield or email her at jrayfield@salon.com.

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Bob Mcdonnell Ken Cuccinelli Republicans Star Scientific Virginia