Bob McDonnell was far from perfect as Governor and was hardly a conservative, but I believe he was persecuted for the crime of being a Republican with Presidential ambitions. I understand that the judge’s instructions to the jury basically told them that they had to convict if the Governor helped Johnny Williams in any way - even if that assistance fell under the normal duties of a governor to promote business in his or her state.
The GOP has tons of talent, the Dems have very few.They are a closed party.