Court Blocks Former Virginia Governor's Bid To Stay Out Of Prison

Aug 20 (Reuters) - A U.S. appeals court on Thursday denied a request by former Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell to remain out of prison while he appeals his corruption convictions to the Supreme Court.

McDonnell, a one-time rising star in the Republican party, and his wife were convicted in September of taking $177,000 in gifts and loans from businessman Jonnie Williams in exchange for promoting one of his company's dietary supplements.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit denied McDonnell's request in a one-paragraph ruling. (Reporting by Scott Malone in Boston; Editing by Susan Heavey)