MSNBC contributor Josh Barro mocked new Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe for not being the ideal choice to clean up the state's reputation for cronyism while discussing the Bob McDonnell case Wednesday on All In with Chris Hayes.
"Terry McAuliffe is the new governor of Virginia who's going to be tasked with coming in and cleaning up this mess," Barro said. "I don't know how well that bodes for setting a new tone of ending influence-peddling in the state."
McAuliffe, who ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2009 before winning in 2013, raised staggering amounts of money for the Democratic Party as its chairman, and he was particularly embarrassed by revelations from his own autobiography that he left his wife and newborn child in the car once to attend a fundraiser. He was sharply criticized on the campaign trail for his history of cronyism in his business dealings, using significant political connections to his advantage.
The Washington Free Beacon reported McAuliffe decided against bringing jobs to Virginia in his capacity as chairman of electric and hybrid vehicle manufacturer GreenTech Automotive.
McDonnell, the former governor of Virginia, was indicted along with his wife Tuesday on corruption charges.
