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With text messages, ex-governor’s lawyers try to show wife had key relationship with businessman

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Jurors at the corruption trial of former Virginia Gov. McDonnell and his wife have been shown text messages in which the onetime first lady takes exclusive credit for securing loans from a Virginia businessman whose largesse toward the couple is McDonnells is at the heart of the case.

In one text shown Tuesday, Maureen McDonnell expresses anger that her husband appears to be getting credit for the deal.

The McDonnells are charged with accepting more than $165,000 in gifts and loans from former Star Scientific CEO Jonnie Williams in exchange for promoting his company’s tobacco-based dietary supplement.

Bob McDonnell’s lawyers began making their defense this week and have attempted to show that his wife was really the one who enjoyed the cozy relationship with Williams.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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