CHESTERFIELD, Va. (WTVR) — Attorney General and Republican nominee for Governor Ken Cuccinelli opened up his Chesterfield office Thursday with RNC National Chairman Reince Priebus.
Afterwards he spoke about the ongoing drama surrounding Governor Bob McDonnell and Star Scientific CEO Jonnie Williams Sr. The FBI is currently investigating their relationship.
As has been documented, Cuccinelli also has a relationship with Williams, one in which he received thousands of dollars worth of gifts and donations over the years, some of which initially were not reported.
CBS 6 was the only TV station covering his exchange with reporters.
You can watch raw video here:
When asked by CBS 6 political reporter Joe St. George whether or not he had spoken to McDonnell about the latest revelations, he said he had not.
"I have not spoken to the governor recently, certainly I share the same kind of concerns and disappointments with the circumstances we are seeing unfold before us," Cuccinelli said.
Cuccinelli would not discuss ongoing federal and state investigations in great detail, saying "we really need to let those play out."
St. George asked Cuccinelli about his relationship with Star Scientific CEO Jonnie Williams and whether or not they have spoken recently.
"I haven't talked to him in quite a long time," Cuccinelli said.
"Maybe a year or so I don't really know what he is thinking about any of this," Cuccinelli added.
Cuccinelli alluded to the fact he made mistakes in the past with failing to report gifts he received from Williams.
"When I made my own mistakes, I was the one who brought them forward - I called in the press," Cuccinelli said.
Cuccinelli noted he thinks these incidents will result in tougher gift laws in Virginia.
"I think going forward you are going to see changes that I support with our gift structure {... } I think caps are appropriate," Cuccinelli said.
Cuccinelli would not say if he'd support what his opponent, Terry McAuliffe, has proposed; a $100 dollar limit on gifts to politicians.
Cuccinelli only said he would support "any reasonable cap."
Cuccinelli did tell St. George he believes bans on gifts to spouses and family members need to be part of the solution as well.
"Oh yah, family should be covered," Cuccinelli said.
Democratic spokesman Brian Coy responded to the Cuccinelli event.
"We still don't have answers, Ken Cuccinelli is still refusing to give Virginians a full accounting of his relationship with Jonnie Williams," Coy said.
