Kevin Johnson

USA TODAY

WASHINGTON — Federal authorities have been investigating whether Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s 2013 campaign accepted improper contributions, a federal law enforcement official said Monday.

The official, who is not authorized to comment publicly, said the inquiry has included a review of donations made by Wang Wenliang, a Chinese businessman and politician who has residency status in the U.S.

The development was first reported by CNN.

In a statement Wednesday, McAuliffe attorney Marc Elias said that "neither the governor nor his former campaign has knowledge of this matter.''

Elias characterized the Wang contributions as "completely lawful.''

"The governor will certainly cooperate with the government if he is contacted about it,'' Elias said.

McAuliffe, a Democrat, succeeded Republican Gov. Robert McDonnell, who along with his wife, Maureen, were convicted in a 2014 corruption prosecution based on their receipt of more than $170,000 in loans and gifts. McDonnell's conviction is on appeal before the U.S. Supreme Court.

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