“How Bob McDonnell’s case might help others accused of public corruption”

Very important WaPo story:

If the Supreme Court overturns the convictions of former Virginia governor Robert F. McDonnell, the decision could substantially narrow what is considered criminal public corruption and put the brakes on investigations of allegedly unscrupulous politicians across the country, experts said.

Attorneys for former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich (D) and former New York Assembly speaker Sheldon Silver (D) — both convicted in corruption cases that are still making their way through the court system — said they are watching McDonnell’s case closely, cognizant that the Supreme Court’s decision might help their clients. Experts said the fates of other politicians charged or convicted of public corruption — including Sen. Robert Menendez(D-N.J.) and Dean Skelos (R), former New York state Senate majority leader — might also be affected.

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