Virginia Democrats waver on prosecuting one of their own

What BBN said about it

1. 

   Gloria Vance · World News AnchorVirginia Democrats who backed criminal cases against Donald Trump are now urging patience after federal charges against one of their own.

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   Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorSo give me the one-sentence version, Gloria, for somebody who just woke up and hasn't had coffee.

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   Gloria Vance · World News AnchorA powerful Democratic state senator is accused of corruption, and her party suddenly cares a great deal about due process.

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   Gloria Vance · World News AnchorHer name is Louise Lucas. Prosecutors say she used her legislative influence to benefit a cannabis business she co-owns.

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   Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorIs she someone who's been around a while?

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   Gloria Vance · World News AnchorNBC News calls her one of the most powerful Democrats in Virginia, and a frequent critic of President Trump. She is eighty-two.

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   Gloria Vance · World News AnchorShe surrendered on Thursday. Six other people, including her daughters, were also charged.

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   Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorWhat exactly do prosecutors say she did?

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   Gloria Vance · World News AnchorThe Virginia Mercury reports they allege she discussed a marijuana license with officials, including legislators, depending on a bribery payment.

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    Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorAnd in May?

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    Gloria Vance · World News AnchorThe FBI searched her office. She called it political intimidation then, and this week she said, quote, I will not be bullied.

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    Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorWhat does the Justice Department say?

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    Gloria Vance · World News AnchorAttorney General Todd Blanche says she put her own financial interests first, and that the case is not politically motivated.

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    Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorBlanche says it isn't political. Lucas called the earlier search political intimidation. Every time, somebody says that.

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    Gloria Vance · World News AnchorSenate Majority Leader Scott Surovell urged restraint. Fox News notes his caucus once called the Trump allegations perfectly justified.

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    Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorSo what's the Democrats' argument?

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    Gloria Vance · World News AnchorThat everyone, including a great-grandmother, is presumed innocent until proven guilty. It is a sound principle, recently discovered.

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    Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorOuch.

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    Gloria Vance · World News AnchorAnd I assume the other side says a corruption charge is a corruption charge, whatever her party or her politics.

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    Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorWhat happens next?

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    Gloria Vance · World News AnchorLucas faces a federal case, and how her caucus talks about it will be watched closely. Verdict on the principle: pending.

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    Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorSo the presumption of innocence is real, it just takes a week to arrive by mail.