Former Virginia governor Bob McDonnell and his wife Maureen were charged with selling political favors in exchange for loans, gifts and vacations. The jury was set and they faced them for the first time on Tuesday.

Ten days after Bob McDonnell left his office in January, the McDonnells were presented with a 43-page indictment stating that Maureen McDonnell spent US$20,000 in a Manhattan shopping stint. The indictment also included a list of extravagant gifts the couple received from a businessman.

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The feds claim that the bribes from businessman Jonnie Williams were received in exchange of aid from the then-governor promoting Star Scientific, the businessman's dietary supplements company based in Virginia.

In exchange for a seat next to the governor at an event, Williams allegedly financed Maureen McDonnell's shopping.

The couple face 14 counts of corruption and could be sentenced to decades in prison if proven guilty.

Former federal prosecutor John Brownlee led the defense. They suggested that there is a political motive behind the accusations and that the prosecution extended the meaning of bribery over the political courtesies.

The defense plans to question Williams' character, saying that it was a battle of credibility between a former public servant and a businessman whose companies also have been subjects of investigation.

Former federal prosecutor Jacob Frenkel said the defense lawyers would insist that it is the governor's job to promote the businesses of the state.

Criminal defense attorney Barry J. Pollack, though not involved in the case, said that the jury will most likely be questioned whether Bob McDonnell was aware that accepting the gifts is considered a crime.

U.S. District judge James Spencer allowed five character witnesses for the McDonnells.

The McDonnell supporters estimated the trial cost to more than US$1 million. So far US$254,000 has been raised, with former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney contributing US$10,000. 

TagsVirginia, Bob McDonnell, Maureen McDonnell, Jonnie Williams, trial