Free Press staff, wire reports

Bob McDonnell’s date with prison has been delayed again.

The former Virginia governor, convicted of 11 counts of corruption, won a temporary reprieve Monday from the U.S. Supreme Court.

U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts halted a mandate to send him to jail, but has referred the issue to the full nine-member court. Five justices must vote to allow Mr. McDonnell to remain free while he prepares his appeal to the high court; otherwise, he would have to do it from prison.

The nation’s highest court is expected to shortly decide that issue. Federal prosecutors delivered rebuttal briefs to the court Wednesday to challenge Mr. McDonnell’s request to stay free during his appeal. If they win, he would quickly receive a date to report to a federal prison.