Washington Post (blog) - RICHMOND — Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) signed an executive order Saturday imposing sweeping new standards for ethics in government intended to prevent the kind of gifts scandal that engulfed his predecessor, Robert F. McDonnell.McAuliffe’s order imposes a strict $100 gift cap on himself and the executive branch. It establishes an ethics commission, including $100,000 in start-up funds, with the authority to monitor compliance and recommend discipline for violators.The order defines “gifts” and “family members” in ways clearly meant to prohibit the kinds of payments, services, goods and loans that McDonnell (R) and his family received from Star Scientific chief executive Jonnie Williams Sr.See on www.washingtonpost.com
