OPINION:
In determining who would be his running mate in 2012, Mitt Romney gave serious consideration to then-Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell. In light of McDonnell’s conviction for multiple counts of corruption, it is chilling to recognize that had things turned out differently our vice president might have been this tainted man (“Bob McDonnell verdict a much-needed win for Justice Department ethics unit,” Web, Sept. 4).
We see once again that so many of those who reach the pinnacle of power are tempted to engage in impropriety, to use their influence for unseemly and unlawful purposes. It is a puzzlement that those such as McDonnell, who garner high salaries and lavish perks, often are not satisfied with what has been bestowed upon them and are always seeking more.
It is gratifying that the jury in this case did not allow a slick and shrewd operator to get away with blurring the line between unwise actions and unlawful behavior. But it was a sad day for the commonwealth of Virginia as the first governor to face criminal charges was convicted.
OREN SPIEGLER
Upper Saint Clair, Pa.
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