Former Virginia Governor Robert F. McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, have been found guilty of corruption charges that shocked politicians, historians and residents of the state.

Virginia is a state known for taking pride over its reputation of a clean government and the couple's conviction is the first to happen in Virginia. Robert and Maureen were found guilty of 11 and nine counts of corruption charges respectively.

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The court decision has affected the perception of Virginia constituents. Some were in the opinion that the political leaders of Virginia might have been also involved in corruption.

Radio host, humanities scholar and Thomas Jefferson expert Clay Jenkinson commented in his radio program that Jefferson would be appalled by the McDonnells' conviction. Jenkins likened the situation in Illinois and Louisiana, both of which have been making corruption headlines.

Another resident, Leroy Robinson, who works as a chef, said that he drove four miles just to go to the courthouse as soon as he heard that the verdict was out. Robinson expressed his admiration for McDonnell, who brought back the voting rights of felons that completed their jail sentence.

McDonnell's fellow Republicans have also expressed their thoughts about the news.

House Speaker William J. Howell from Stafford said in a statement that it is a sad day for Virginia and that he is proud to be a friend of the convicted governor. He added that he is praying for the McDonells.

Virginia delegate David B. Albo from Fairfax also released a statement. He said that he could honestly tell that Robert does not have a dishonest bone in his body. He added that he thinks Robert did not think he was doing anything illegal.

Although Richmonders, politicians and historians claim that Virginia has a clean government, Indiana University has once proven this wrong. According to one its studies, Virginia ranked 34^th out of the 50 most corrupt states in America.

Virginia resident and school teacher John Richmond said that he was less than shocked. He noted that the officials in Virginia are just as corrupt as those in other states.

Robert McDonnell is the 71^st governor of Virginia. He was eyeing the presidency, but will be behind bars instead.

TagsVirginia, Clean government, Former Governor, Gov. Robert McDonnell, Wife, Maureen McDonnel, Republican, Government of Virginia