RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) -- A major announcement for Gov. Bob McDonnell about this year’s state budget surplus is being overshadowed by the personal scandal that continues to escalate.
The latest twist involves the Maureen McDonnell’s purchase of Star Scientific stock around the same time she hosted a private event for the company at the Executive Mansion.
According to a report in the Washington Post, attorneys for McDonnell and the first lady will meet Monday afternoon to convince federal prosecutors not to press charges.
In the governor's annual fiscal year-end address to the joint money committees of the General Assembly, McDonnell announced the Commonwealth finished fiscal year 2013 $585 million in the black. It’s the governor’s fourth consecutive budget surplus during his administration.
However, questions are mounting about the first lady’s finances after lawyers for the McDonnell family revealed she owned Star Scientific stock during various times between 2011 and 2012.
McDonnell has been at the center of the state and federal investigation into whether Star Scientific CEO Jonnie Williams benefited in any way because of gifts, loans -- and now stock owned by the first family.
McDonnell said he would not address the matter Monday morning after apologizing in recent weeks and returning gifts as the scandal continues to unfold.
CBS 6 political analyst Dr. Bob Hollsworth said it is significant that the first lady owned Star Scientific stock because it's the first time the McDonnell finances have been directly linked to the success of Star Scientific.
Stay with WTVR.com and CBS 6 News for updates on this developing story.
