Del. Krupicka Calls for Ethics Reform in Virginia Government

by Drew Hansen

Del. Rob Krupicka (D-45th) is calling for stricter ethical oversight of elected officials and campaign regulations in response to Gov. Bob McDonnell’s recent repayment of $120,000 in loans.
Krupicka, who represents parts of Alexandria, Arlington County and Fairfax County, released a statement Wednesday calling for more stringent reporting policies.

“I call on all my colleagues, Republican and Democrat, to come together and work for stricter ethics laws and more transparency in government.” Krupicka said in a press release. “The last few months have created significant concerns about the openness and transparency of our government.  Ethics reform is a critical step towards rebuilding that trust."

On Tuesday, McDonnell announced he and his wife have repaid more than $120,000 in loans from Star Scientific CEO Jonnie Williams and apologized for the “embarrassment” the ongoing ethics controversy has caused Virginia.

Federal and state investigators have been looking into McDonnell’s relationship with Williams for months and the scandal has grabbed headlines around the country.

In a statement released via his Twitter account, McDonnell said his family had returned $52,278 for a loan made to his wife, Maureen McDonnell, in 2011 and another $71,837 for a loan made to the real estate business McDonnell owns with his sister.

McDonnell's statement did not directly address thousands of dollars in gifts that Williams gave to the governor and members of his family, including a $15,000 dollar catering bill for McDonnell’s daughter’s wedding and a $6,500 Rolex watch that was eventually gifted to the governor.

“Virginians should not have to tolerate such shady practices from the highest office in the state,” Krupicka said.