When he's sentenced tomorrow will a former Virginia Governor get a slap on the wrist with community service or a short time in prison for 11 corruption convictions—or will U.S. District Judge James Spencer sentence him to a lengthy stint behind bars?
While Judge Spencer has been flooded with more than 400 letters asking for leniency—some from very prominent Virginia leaders—attorney Paul Goldman says that could still translate into perhaps five years in prison. He says, in part, it's due to the defense team's insistence on blaming former First Lady Maureen McDonnell for the scandal.
Prosecutors are asking for a sentence of 10 to 12 years. Goldman says Spencer is in a tough spot because he may want to spare McDonnell due to his lengthy public and military service, but he also may want to send a message that well-known political figures don't get off in his courtroom.