McDonnell Appendix 3-B

APPENDIX 3-B

Case 3:14-cr-00012-JRS Document 586-2 Filed 12/23/14 of 65 PageID# 16952

October 15, 2014

Honorable James R. Spencer United States District Judge Eastern District of Virginia Richmond Division 701 E. Broad Street Richmond, Virginia 23219

Dear Judge Spencer:

I am writing this letter in support of Bob McDonnell. I have known Bob for over 25 years, and am honored to call him my friend. My wife and I first met Bob and his family at our church in Virginia Beach, and we are Godparents to his youngest daughter, Rachel.

I know Bob to be a man of faith. We participated for years in a bible study, which Bob led. We have prayed with him, and for him, over the years, and I believe that his strong faith guides his actions today.

I know Bob to be a man of compassion. I have witnessed Bob helping the homeless at our church; calling me late at night to help deliver a washer and dryer that he was giving away to a needy family; and sacrificing time with his own family to assist us when he heard that we were in need of home repairs.

I know Bob to be a man of integrity, with a strong dedication to service. Bob has tirelessly served in the Armed Forces and in City and State Government roles. Despite the tarnish to an otherwise impeccable record, I believe that we all owe Bob a debt of gratitude for his accomplishments as Virginia's Governor, masterfully steering the ship during one of the most turbulent economic periods in our Nation's history.

Bob has already suffered extensively for his actions. Financially: the cost of losing any possibility of a future political career, where he had once been thought of as a potential Vice-Presidential contender; the cost of his conviction drastically limiting other opportunities in the work force; the cost of losing the lifetime income from a State pension; the cost of massive legal bills spent in defending the charges against him. Emotionally: Bob faces the loss of respect and credibility in the community, and embarrassment on a national scale. Bob is a devoted family man, and I believe he is truly despondent over what his blameless children have had to go through, and over the trial's devastating effects on his marriage. To now think about him losing even a day of freedom, I can't help but question how well the punishment fits the crime.

Bob is no threat to society, and he will certainly not be in a position to possibly repeat his offense.

I ask you, Judge Spencer, to be merciful in granting Bob McDonnell the lowest possible sentence. I pray that God guides you in your decision, and that he showers you with His mercy.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

John A. Piscitelli Senior Vice President, Investments Davenport & Company LLC


October 30, 2014

Honorable James R. Spencer

United States District Judge

Eastern District of Virginia Richmond Division

701 E. Broad Street

Richmond, VA 23219

Dear Judge Spencer,

My name is Darcy Potter, and I have worked for the City of Virginia Beach for 26 years and lived in our

beautiful City for 58 years. I have had the pleasure of knowing Bob McDonnell and the McDonnell

Family for the past 15 years. Our children went to school together and we attended, and were involved

in many school activities and sporting events together. Rachel McDonnell was a cheerleader with my

daughter, Kellie Potter. Ocean Lakes High School started a competition cheerleading team as well as

cheerleading for sports. Rachel and Kellie were the “fliers” for the team so they had many practices,

games and competitions together. Bob and Maureen were at all the football games, basketball games,

fund raisers, and cheerleading competitions over the 4 years the girls were in High School together. We

took turns car- pooling and making sure the kids had transportation wherever they needed to go. Bob

was such a positive influence on his daughter as well as mine and attended every event possible while

Rachel was in school. His love and dedication for his children and family was very evident at all times.

At true “family man” is how I would describe Bob McDonnell. His love for politics and his job was very

important to him, but never more important than his love and dedication to family.

Over the years as Bob’s political positions changed, I was always in full support of him, as I had seen his

love an dedication to his family. Knowing what a wonderful father, parent, and husband he had been,

gave me no doubt that he would have those same qualities no matter what he pursued in his future

endeavors.

I can only ask that you take these things into consideration as January 6th gets closer. Bob McDonnell is

an honest, faithful, upstanding man, and in my eyes always will be. He is a wonderful father that has 5

children, and a future grandchild that adore him. I can only hope that you will consider this in the

future.

Sincerely,

Darcy Potter



United States District Judge

Eastern District of Virginia, Richmond Division

701 E. Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219

October 20, 2014

Dear Judge Spencer,

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to public service to the nation.

Growing up in Southwest Virginia, it was about when I turned 8 years old that I

knew I wanted to work for the "Governor of Virginia" one day. Little did I know at

the time that it was not a lofty title that would bring fulfillment to my public service,

but instead, it was the man who held the title, Bob McDonnell, It was a great honor to

work for the “Governor of Virginia;” but it was a much higher honor to work for Bob

McDonnell, the man.

He chose to earn his leadership, through his military service, elected office, and

as Attorney General and Governor. And then once he held power, he sought feedback

from others and shared the credit. I will share two examples from my time in the

administration:


Mr. Jarrett Ray

Arlington, VA

October 13, 2014


United States District Judge, Eastern District of Virginia Richmond Division

701 E. Broad Street

Richmond, Virginia 23219

Dear Judge Spencer,

I am a young professional currently working for a public policy non‐profit in northern Virginia. I am

writing to you today because Bob McDonnell helped inspire me to choose a career in public policy.

I first met Governor McDonnell in 2005. At the time, I was attending James Madison University and

volunteering through College Republicans for the statewide Republicans candidates running for office.

Shortly after the November elections, I attended the Republican Party of Virginia’s annual conference

with a group of other students. Between events, I found myself in an elevator alone with Mr. and Mrs.

McDonnell. Mrs. McDonnell introduced herself and asked which school I attended. After telling her JMU,

she excitedly announced that one of her daughters was going to be attending.

Gov. McDonnell laughed, saying she wasn’t likely to join College Republicans.

As we got out of the elevator, Gov. McDonnell leaned in and said, “You know, I won by 360 votes

because of folks like you.”

Gov. McDonnell’s humility stuck with me, and it helped inspire me to stay involved. I went on to take a

statewide leadership role with College Republicans, and during Gov. McDonnell’s gubernatorial

campaign, I worked for the Republican Party of Virginia and assisted his grassroots campaign in

Hampton Roads.

During this time, I got to know Bob McDonnell, his family, and his staff well. I personally witnessed a

humble and patient leader who went the extra mile to build personal relationships. His competent and

steady leadership as Governor further affirmed my belief that the man in front of the cameras was the

same man who I first met in an elevator in 2005.

Given my personal experiences with Gov. McDonnell and the positive impact he had on my career, I ask

for your leniency during the sentencing phase of this trial.

Sincerely,

Jarrett Ray


Corporate Office Bernard “Barney” C. Reiley, CEO 212 Butler Rd., Falmouth, VA 22405 540‐371‐9622 www.family‐ymca.org

29 October 2014 Honorable James R. Spencer United States District Judge, Eastern District of Virginia Richmond Division Richmond, VA 23219

Re: Governor Bob McDonnell’s sentence

Dear Judge Spencer,

My name is Bernard C. Reiley and I am a childhood friend of Bob McDonnell’s. I serve as the Chief

Executive Officer of the Rappahannock Area YMCA’s and have known Bob for over 50 years. I am

writing to ask for leniency for Bob McDonnell when he comes before you in January 2015, to be

sentenced.

Bob and I grew up as friends in the 1960’s and seventies when both of our families located in Mount

Vernon in 1960. Our fathers were in the Air Force together and were both stationed at the Pentagon

with the assignment of teaching ROTC at the University of Maryland. The two became close friends and

as a result, our two families became very close. Unfortunately, our father succumbed to cancer at the

age of 43, and Colonel McDonnell became sort of a father figure to our family. He was instrumental in

securing an assignment for my older brother to the US Air Force Academy.

While Bob was four years older than me, he became sort of an older brother to me: he was always very

kind, considerate, and willing to spend time with me, even though I was a few years younger. My

distinct recollection of Bob, then, and into adulthood was that Bob was always a good and caring

person; he was especially kind and considerate to our entire family, especially my mother, who became

a widow at such a young age. Even as he became more successful in life, he always seemed very humble

and grounded and never forgot where he came from, always having time for others. His interest in

others was genuine.


2

Unfortunately, Bob and his wife have made some poor decisions, but I know in my heart, he is a good

and decent man; I humbly ask that you take this into account when he comes before you for sentencing.

I am,

Sincerely,

Barney Reiley Bernard C. Reiley Chief Executive Officer Rappahannock Area YMCA, Inc. 212 Butler Rd. Falmouth, VA 22405 [email protected] 540-371-9622 Ext. 1017

www.family-ymca.org


;' .&. : RECENT ~ Ei / UNNERSITY

OFFICE OF T HE CHANCELLOR

October 13,2014

The Honorable James R. Spencer United States District Judge Eastern District of Virginia Richmond Division 701 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219

Dear Judge Spencer:

I have known Bob McDonnell for many years since the time that he was a student in the School of Law & Government at Regent University. I have followed his legal career, his service in the General Assembly of Virginia, his service as Attorney General of the State of Virginia, and his service as Governor of the State of Virginia.

In all the time I have known him, Bob has been a person of unquestioned integrity and person rectitude. Those of us who know him have been deeply grieved at the unfolding of a criminal trial which seemed more a mistake ofjudgment than an evidence of profound veniality.

I have written to Bob McDonnell to indicate that Regent University would be willing to offer him a position as a faculty member in its School of Government when his obligation of the current legal proceedings are at an end.

With this in mind, I would humbly ask Your Honor to consider a lenient sentence for a man who could be of much more use to society as an instructor in government for the young, as opposed to incarceration in a federal correctional institution.

With thanks for your kindness in receiving this letter, I remain ...

Chancellor

PR:ggc

Christian Leadership to Change the World 1000 Regent Universit, Dr ive, Virginia Beach, VA 23.164 I 800,373 5504 I regenLedu


October31,2014 Honorable James R. Spencer United States District Judge Eastern District of Virginia Richmond Division 701 E. Broad Street Richmond, Virginia 23219 Dear Judge Spencer: Thank you for your service in presiding over the trial of former Governor Bob McDonnell and his wife Maureen McDonnell. I am writing to share with you my relationship with Governor Bob McDonnell. I was his Secretary of Education during the 2010 and 2011 legislative sessions of the Virginia General Assembly. I got to know Governor McDonnell as a boss as well as a human being. He met my wife and enjoyed the times they had conversations. He played with my middle daughter during her first visit to his office, and welcomed the birth of my third daughter during his first year as governor. He also comforted my family when my mother-in-law-passed. So I can speak about the character of Governor McDonnell beyond the regalia of public office. I was the only out-of-state cabinet member in the McDonnell Administration. My family lived in Atlanta in 2009 when I received a call regarding my possible interest in the Virginia secretary position. Knowing nothing about Governor McDonnell, I had to research his life, and fast. Newspaper stories, a graduate school paper, and campaign literature only built the political skeleton of a man. At best I had learned the “what” about his professional work, but nothing, still, regarding the “why” or “who” of Governor McDonnell. I called people in Virginia to learn more about him. One person, in particular, is a former democratic lawmaker who had worked with Governor McDonnell in the General Assembly. Our conversation ended with a statement that helped to shape my thinking about him: “You can work for him. If it were someone else, I would say stay away.” Similar conversations with Virginians of diverse backgrounds and political ideas resulted in the same conclusion: he’s a good guy. Based on these conclusions, coupled with my research, I moved ahead with seeking the position. My first encounter with Governor McDonnell was during my formal in‐personinterviewwithhimandateaminRichmond.Wetalkedaboutourfamilies,ourpathstocollegeandbeyond,andourpassionforeducation.Inafollow‐upconversationbytelephone,GovernorMcDonnell askedme about a protest I participated in a yearearlierinfrontoftheU.S.DepartmentofEducation.Inanutshell,IsaidthataUSDOEdecision cost nearly 220 students their seats in a program for low‐incomeWashington,D.C.students.Sensingwherethiscouldgo,Ijumpedtothebottomline.“Governor, ifchoosingmeputsyouinanoddpositionwiththeUSDOE,thenIwillunderstandnothiringmeassecretary.ButIhavetoletyouknowthatifIknewthenthat protesting would cost me this job, I would havemade the same decision to


protestbecauseIbelieveitwastherightthingtodoforschoolchildrenandparents.”GovernorMcDonnellreplied,“ThatisthetypeofconvictionIlike.”Weendedthecallwithmeacceptinghisoffer.Moreimportantly,Ihungupthetelephonelearningthe“why” about Governor McDonnell. Public service for him is neither a calling ofconveniencenorapoliticalparade:heactuallywantstohelppeople.ItoldmywifethatthisisthekindofgovernorIwanttoworkfor.SowepackedupourlivesandmovedtoRichmond.Working with Governor McDonnell continually confirmed the “whys” for me. Anissuethatexplainedthe“who”ofGovernorMcDonnell,however,wasnotourworkineducation.ItwashisdecisiontomoveaheadwithreturningtherighttovotetoVirginiansstrippedofitduetoaconvictionforcommittingacrime.Swirlingaroundhimthroughoutthisworkwerepolite,yetsubtlevoicesthatinterrogatedthelogicofhisdecision.“YouknowthesepeoplearegoingtovoteDemocrat,sowhybother?”“Whatwill our party gain from this?” “He is only doing this because hewants topropelhis image inourcommunityso thathecanrun forPresidentof theUnitedStates.”“Thisisastunttomake‐upforhisCivilWarandslaverycomment.”Andthebandplayedonfrommultipleconstituencies.WhenGovernorMcDonnellandIweretalking shop one day the restoration of rights issue came up. I said, “You knowpeoplethinkthisisonlyshowmanshiponyourpart.”Hesmiled.“IfIwantedtoputon a show, don’t you think I’d pick a better platform for this performance?”Welaughed.Hetoldmethatpeopleneedasecondchanceinlife.Weallmakemistakes.“Iamdoingitbecauseitistherightthingtodo.Period.”Thisexplainedthe“who”forme.Inclosing,IamhonoredtohaveservedintheMcDonnellAdministration.Iattendedthreedaysofhishearings inyour chamber.And I criedwhen Iheard theverdict.ThepoliticalskeletonImetin2010becameamanwithaheartandsoulduringmytimewithhim.He is funnybutcornyat times;agreatcommunicatorwhoactuallyenjoyslisteningtoo;ahusbandandadaddrapedwithfoiblesthatcomewitheachrole;andapublicservantinaction,still.Ihaveworkedinpoliticsandpublicpolicyforover20yearsandhavebeenexposedtopublicofficialswithvaryingdegreesofenlightenment and tolerance. If I had to pick theTop25peoplemost likely to beconvictedofacrimeof thisnature,GovernorMcDonnellwouldnothavemademyTop 100 list. The decision to sentence Governor McDonnell is beyondmy reach.Withinmy reach is to tell you about theGovernorMcDonnell I know. I hope thisletterdoesso.Sincerely,

GerardRobinsonHenrico,VA


Williamsburg, VA 23185

October 13, 2014

Honorable James R. Spencer United States District Judge Eastern District of Virginia Richmond Division 701 E. Broad Street Richmond, Virginia 23219

Dear Judge Spencer,

I was a roommate and fellow ROTC cadet of Bob's at the University of Notre Dame in the 1970s and have remained friends with him at various stages of our subsequent military and then private sector careers.

While I am disappointed with the apparent excessive amount of gifts Bob has accepted in his capacity as Governor, I can say without reservation that Bob is one of the most honest, caring and trusting individuals I've ever been associated with. As a roommate, I never heard a derogatory word from his mouth regarding any group or even individual classmate, this despite the fact that Notre Dame had just gone coed and plenty of animosity existed all around him. Bob was also conscientious enough to work as campus dining help to augment his ROTC Scholarship. He knew he had four siblings behind him who would need parental help with college finances.

Nobody I know has ever had an unpleasant experience with or thought ill of Bob. This was recently supported when a Washington Post reporter contacted our Notre Dame class ombudsman during his Governorship campaign looking to interview former classmates of his. Word of the inquiry was spread and plenty of classmates who would be considered polar opposites politically had a perfect chance to speak to this reporter. Like many Virginians even now, my classmates liked and respected him and there were zero takers.

Perhaps the best example I can give of Bob's nature post Notre Dame was when we were both junior officers stationed in the Tidewater area in the early 1980s. Bob and Maureen attended a function I hosted for my command fellow officers when one became injured. Bob did not know this man or any of the other attendees, but still insisted on accompanying us while I took the injured man to the Portsmouth Naval Hospital. He even took control of the entire check in and follow up process saying he felt it was his duty based on his medical service expertise. This turned into an overnight ordeal and Bob never complained once.

I would ask that you take into consideration the total man during sentencing. He admitted his poor judgment long before indictment and did his best to make amends. He has already endured more scrutiny and public humiliation than any politician or private citizen I can recall.

~-------------Stephen W. Sanders Commander, USNR-Retired


Christopher B. Saxman Henrico, VA Honorable James R. Spencer United States District Judge Eastern District of Virginia Richmond Division 701 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 Dear Judge Spencer, I served with Bob McDonnell for four years in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2002-2006. Bob and I worked together on many pieces of legislation. I also watched Delegate McDonnell in committee and on the House floor. Given that Bob would carry well over three dozen bills a year, he was often standing on the floor explaining his legislation. I cannot recall one time, whether he was chairing a committee, working with colleagues in his office, or standing before the entire House of Delegates when Bob McDonnell acted in a disrespectful or dismissive manner. In fact, oftentimes I would hear myself saying “Bob, let’s go. We have the votes.” Bob’s character would not allow - once - anyone to be rushed or anyone’s viewpoint to not be heard. Ever. Bob respected everyone without fail, with sincerity, and with consistency. He never got upset or short tempered or tired. He was almost too nice. The 2004 Agribusiness dinner at the Arthur Ashe Center had started when I found my way to the building from the parking lot alongside Delegate McDonnell. He said in the cold night air, “Chris , you really seem to care about policy.” I nodded, “Yeah.” Then he said something that I think I will always remember, “Me too. We really can do a lot of good for people.” Bob was always there for the right reason. From the Session to campaign events to fundraisers to traveling together, not once did I ever see him ask something for himself. He treated everyone with simple dignity and respect. He was fair, patient, and reasonable. Always. When someone asked me what kind of guy he “really” was. I usually answered, “The kind of guy who you hope marries your sister.” They would laugh and I’d say, “No. I’m serious.” Bob McDonnell is simply one of the finest men I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I hope you will consider his years of exemplary service to the Commonwealth and the Nation in your deliberations to a fair and just conclusion. Sincerely, Chris Saxman


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Honorable James R. SpencerUnited States District JudgeEastern District of Virginia Richmond Division701E. Broad StreetRichmond, Virginia 23219

Dear Judge Spencer,

It has been my privilege to represent the citizens of the 30th District in the Virginia House ofDelegates since 2004. In that time, I have served with Bob McDonnell while he has been aDelegate, Attorney General, and Govemor of the Commonwealth of Virginia. I have seen himwork tirelessly for policies and programs that make our state a leader among states arrd a greatplace to do business as well as to work and raise a family.

Having observed him as Chairman ofthe House Courts of Justice Committee, as Attomey General,and as Governor, I have seen Governor McDonnell show an abiding respect for the rule of law and

a commitment to fully and fairly represent the citizens who elected him. He carefully and

thoroughly weighed issues that came before him and worked diligently to grow our economy,improve our schools, and keep our streets safe.

In light of his many years of selfless and dedicated public service, I respectfully request that thesentence that you impose on Bob McDonnell be lenient. Clearly he and his family are sufferingthe consequences of his trial and will continue to deal with these consequences for the rest of theirlives. Your consideration of this request is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time and attention to my letter, and thank you for your service in our judicialsystem.

September 22,2014

Edward T. "Ed" ScottDelegate, 3Oth District

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The Honorable James R. Spencer United States District Judge Eastern District of Virginia, Richmond Division 701 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219

Dear Judge Spencer,

I am writing on behalf of my friend, Bob McDonnell. I was blessed to meet Bob three years ago

while I was serving as a school principal in Chesterfield County. My entire professional life has been

devoted to improving learning experiences for young people. This path led to my introduction with Bob.

My experiences as a teacher, assistant principal, and school principal prepared me to serve as the

Deputy Secretary of Education and then the Secretary of Education on behalf of Bob McDonnell.

I recall my first conversation with Bob and that feeling I had when I walked out of his office. I

believed in my heart that under his leadership we could effectuate dramatic changes in some of our

most challenging learning environments. Not being the political type, I would offer that it took more

than talking points to convince me to join his team. He spoke with passion and authenticity of which I

had not personally experienced from our political leaders. That conversation led to many great

education reforms which will have an ever lasting impact on learning environments across the

Commonwealth. One specific example of his leadership in action was our continuing contract legislation

that impacted teachers and administrators tenure status. Most teachers and teacher groups across the

country are vehemently opposed to this concept. That was no different in Virginia until Bob McDonnell

facilitated three in person meetings with the leadership of the Virginia Education Association. During

the course of those conversation, much humility was displayed by Bob when compelling our K12 leaders

to strike a balance which would allow school administrators a pathway to improve individual teaching

outcomes while not removing the due process all teachers have earned the right to have. The personal

attention Bob provided during these negotiations yielded an overwhelmingly bipartisan piece of

legislation that allowed us to reward our best teachers and a pathway to remove our weakest teachers.

Bob McDonnell’s drive to improve educational opportunities for all students is striking. He

operates under the premise, “when you think you have done enough for young people, do more” and

that is how I continue to approach my work on behalf of students across the Commonwealth.

In closing, I would like to thank you for your service to our judicial system. I respect the

outcome of the trial and the decision made by a group of my peers. That said, I respectfully ask for your

leniency as you prepare to render your decision. Certainly you will confront many factors when

rendering this decision and I would never dare question your process. Simply, I ask for leniency for this

man who has inspired and motivated me to do more for young people across our great Commonwealth.

Sincerely,

Javaid Siddiqi


McDonnell Appendix 3-B

Documents

Transcript of McDonnell Appendix 3-B