Virginia Attorney General Cuccinelli Not Worried About Mansion Chef Politics

Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli said he's not worried about how the case involving embezzlement charges against a former Virginia Executive Mansion chef will affect his gubernatorial campaign.

Todd Schneider faces charges for allegedly taking food from the mansion kitchen. Schneider claims Gov. Bob McDonnell required him to cater private events and take as payment the items he's accused of stealing.

The defense argued Cuccinelli should have bowed out of the case early last year when Schneider told authorities about alleged wrongdoing by McDonnell. Cuccinelli withdrew from the case after Schneider was indicted.

In Norfolk Monday, Cuccinelli said the case doesn't involve him, so he's not concerned it could damage his campaign.

A judge heard arguments from Todd Schneider's attorney and a special prosecutor Monday and will rule later this week on whether to dismiss the charges. In the motion to dismiss, the defense argued Cuccinelli should have withdrawn from the case early last year when Schneider told authorities about alleged wrongdoing by McDonnell and his family. Cuccinelli didn't withdraw until after Schneider’s indictment.