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With Case Dropped, Fmr. Gov. McDonnell Rises from 'Dark Valley'

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The last three and a half years has been a living nightmare for former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and his family.

But now that the cloud of uncertainty about his future has been lifted, including potential prison time, McDonnell says he is waking up to new possibilities in the "fourth quarter" of life.

Watch CBN's Abigail Roberton's exclusive interview with Bob McDonnell

"I have begun to consider how I might repurpose my life for further service to my fellow man outside of elected office," McDonnell offered through a public statement. "Polls and politics no longer seem that important. People and policies are."

The former governor thanked the justices of the U.S. Supreme Court. Last June the court overturned guilty convictions from a 2014 trial. He also thanked the Justice Department for "applying the correct rule of law" by asking for the case to be dismissed.

"I would never do, nor consider doing, anything that would violate the trust of the citizens of Virginia I served during 22 years in state elected office. These wrongful convictions were based on a false narrative and incorrect law," the statement continued.

Prosecutors at the Department of Justice announced Thursday they have no plans to pursue re-trying their cases against McDonnell and his wife, Maureen.

The couple had been convicted of public corruption for taking more than $175,000 in loans and gifts in exchange for promoting a dietary supplement for a wealthy Virginia businessman.

McDonnell, who has been candid about how his faith has sustained him through the ordeal, paid a hefty price for his freedom. Once a contender on the 2012 vice presidential short list for Mitt Romney, McDonnell was one of the Republican party's rising stars.

Yet, the trial painted a very different picture, exposing the power couple's crumbling marriage, expensive taste, and financial problems.

"Forty-three months ago I was a heartbroken man. I struggled to daily summon the strength to perform my cherished final months of duties as governor, being accused by my country of committing crimes of which I knew I was innocent. I have learned to be patient, to trust and wait upon the Lord, and to live each day being content with His Daily Bread," he wrote in his statement.

"I have become grateful for this experience of suffering, having used it to examine deeply all aspects of my life, and my role in the circumstances that led to this painful time for my beloved family and commonwealth. I am thankful to God for teaching me new lessons about his grace, mercy, and providence," McDonnell said.

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About The Author

Abigail
Robertson

Abigail Robertson serves as the White House Correspondent for CBN News, where she has worked since 2015. As a reporter, Abigail covers stories from a Christian perspective on American politics and the news of the day. Before her role at the White House, Abigail covered Capitol Hill, where she interviewed notable lawmakers such as Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan. During her time on the Hill, Abigail loved highlighting how God is moving in the House and Senate by covering different ministries on Capitol Hill and sharing lawmakers’ testimonies and