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Levin on McDonnell Conviction: 'Quid Pro Quo for What ... a Baloney Sandwich?'

September 5, 2014
Mark Levin appeared on WMAL radio in Washington, D.C., Thursday just moments after the verdict came in convicting former Governor Bob McDonnell (R., Va.) on federal corruption charges.
Levin pointed out that the government's case hinged on the testimony of Jonnie Williams, who was granted immunity on multiple charges in exchange for turning the state's evidence against McDonnell.
"I am aware of no financial benefit, or official benefit, such as regulatory change, legislation signed into law, or even lobbying members of the legislature to benefit this man."
"As far as I can tell, he didn't receive any financial benefit from the state," Levin said. "He didn't receive any regulatory change from the state. There was no effort to change any legislation or even present legislation by the governor's office to accommodate him."
"I have no special brief for Bob McDonnell, I met the guy once," Levin continued. "I think his taking of all these gifts is absurd. Forget the law, I don't think it's ethical."
"But back to the law. What kind of law is it that says if you invite somebody to the governor's mansion or have a party for someone at the governor's mansion that that's a quid pro quo. I keep hearing ... quid pro quo for what ... a baloney sandwich?
"What did he get? He got nothing."
Levin maintained that the jury instructions delivered by U.S. District Judge James R. Spencer were very broad and favored the government's case against McDonnell and his wife, Maureen.