Numerous “amicus” briefs filed for former Va. governor’s US Supreme Court appeal

With the Supreme Court about to consider hearing the appeal of former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell, an unprecedented demonstration of support has come from hundreds of the country’s top legal minds, scholars, political figures representing both parties, business leaders and policy makers, according to a news release from Roslan and Campion, a pr firm in New York City.

Some 11 amicus briefs have been filed with the US Supreme Court on McDonnell’s behalf, stating their belief that McDonnell’s conviction should be overturned.

The 11 amicus briefs include an array of signatures representing virtually every sector of society with an interest in the legal rule supporting McDonnell’s conviction, the news release said.
• 66 former state attorneys general from both political parties (34 Democrats, 31 Republicans, and 1 Independent)
• 31 current governors
• 63 legislators from both political parties
• 183 business/policy leaders including 3 former governors and members of congress

Some of the most notable names include:
• Former White House counsel for President Obama (2009-2010), Greg Craig
• Former federal judge (Clinton-appointed) and current Harvard Law Senior Lecturer, Nancy Gertner
• Harvard Law School’s Jesse Climenko Professor of Law & mentor to President Obama, Charles Ogletree
• John Ashcroft, Attorney General (2001–2005), U.S. Senator (1995–2001), Governor (1985-1993)
• C. Boyden Gray, 22nd White House Counsel, President George H.W. Bush (1989–1993)
• Lanny J. Davis, Special White House Counsel, Bill Clinton (1996–1998)
• Fred F. Fielding, Counsel to Presidents’ Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush (2007–2009 & 1981–1986)
• John M Quinn, Counsel to President Bill Clinton (1995-1997)
• Former US Solicitor General Ted Olson (2001-2004)
• 31 current governors via the Republican Governors Association
• Former Governors Haley Barbour, Sonny Perdue, and Jan Brewer
• Current and Former United States Representatives Scott Rigell, Michelle Bachman, Jim Moran, and Tom Davis
• John Jeffries, Former Dean and Current Distinguished Professor UVA School of Law
• Ben Jealous, Former President National NAACP
• Corporate CEOs Joe Damico, Dennis Ellmer, Richard Gilliam, William Goodwin, Thomas Gottwald, Charles Hill, George Holm, Bobbie Kilberg, John Lawson, Frederic Malek, Dario Marquez,Donna Morea, Frederick Napolitano, Joel Rubin, Arthur Sandler, Bradley Schwartz, Robert Sledd, Michel Zajur
• Current and Former University Presidents Keith Miller, Jerry Falwell, Carlos Campo, Pat Robertson, Gary Rhodes
• Leading Virginia legislators Speaker William Howell, House Majority Leader Kirk Cox, Senate Majority Leader Thomas Norment, Leader Emeritus Walter Stosch, Courts Of Justice Chairman Dave Albo, Democratic Senators David Marsden, Charles Colgan, and Senator Elect Scott Surovell

Governor McDonnell filed his Petition for a Writ of Certiorari on October 14,2015.

That Petition argued that the US Supreme Court should hear this case as it involves issues of critical national importance: namely that the law must be clear for elected officials and donors as to what activities a vague federal statute prohibits.

The Petition further argued that the statutes are unconstitutionally vague and violate principles of federalism and due process.

The Petition also states that the law announced in the case by the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit is in direct conflict with the holdings of all other federal circuit courts to consider the critical issue of the meaning of “official acts” and the sufficiency of the jury selection process.