A recent survey shows that 68 percent of Virginia voters agreed with the guilty verdict given to former Governor Bob McDonnell and his wife for public corruption.

The statewide poll, conducted by Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia, also shows that almost 52 percent of Republicans, along with 69 percent of independents and 85 percent of Democrats agreed with the guilty verdict.

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In addition, 55 percent of the voters in Virginia requested that a stricter rule of ethics be observed for public officials.
The trial revealed that the couple took more than US$165,000 worth of gifts in return for helping promote a dietary supplement.

An ethics reform has already been passed in the spring by state lawmakers. However, and following the McDonnell trial, Democrat Gov. Terry McAuliffe and Attorney General Mark Herring, called for even stricter rules.

Quentin Kidd, director of the Wason Center and university pollster, said the poll shows the public's disappointment over the former Virginia representative and his wife, while at the same time demonstrates the public's satisfaction for the judge and jury's decision.

"But most importantly for lawmakers as we go forward, it shows that the public strongly wants stricter ethics rules for public officials," Kidd said.

The trial detailed how the couple committed graft and corruption. It also presented how the McDonnell's marriage fell apart.

The jury convicted McDonnell of 11 counts and Maureen of nine counts.

The sentencing has been scheduled on Jan.6.

TagsGraft, virginia governor convicted, Bob McDonnell, Virginia