Politics & Government

McDonnell Travels to Afghanistan, Kuwait

Virginia's governor has spent this week abroad, putting some distance between himself and an ethics investigation.

By William Callahan

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell has spent this week in Kuwait and Afghanistan as part of a delegation to visit U.S. military service members, thousands of miles away from the controversy surrounding his involvement with Star Scientific CEO Jonnie Williams.

The governor's office issued a news release saying that McDonnell left for the Middle East on Monday for a five-day trip. That means he was abroad when he issued the apology Tuesday for the “embarrassment” brought on the commonwealth by the ongoing investigation into thousands of dollars in gifts given to him and his family by Williams, whose company manufactures nutritional supplements.

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McDonnell was invited on the trip because of his history as an Army veteran and his family’s involvement in the armed forces, according to the release.

“As an Army veteran, and the father of a daughter who served in the Army in Iraq, it is particularly meaningful to me to have had this opportunity to visit our troops serving in Kuwait and Afghanistan, including members of the Virginia National Guard,” McDonnell said in a statement.

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On Tuesday, McDonnell issued an apology to Virginians and announced he and his family had repaid in loans totaling $120,000 to Williams.

Federal and state investigators are looking into large gifts Williams gave to the McDonnells, including paying for the $15,000 catering bill at his daughter’s wedding and a Rolex watch.

The governor maintains he did nothing wrong.

“I am deeply sorry for the embarrassment certain members of my family and I brought upon my beloved Virginia and her citizens,” McDonnell said in the Tuesday statement. “I want you to know that I broke no laws and that I am committed to regaining your sacred trust and confidence.”

The governor’s office said it was unable to announce the trip any earlier due to security concerns.

McDonnell told NBC Washington from the Middle East Wednesday that he had no intentions to resign amid the scandal or to even think about it.

“I'm not going anywhere,” he said. “I love this job ... there has been no consideration of that.”

The governor is scheduled to return to Virginia on Friday.


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