Prosecutors' written arguments on former Virginia governor's freedom bid due in Supreme Court

The U.S. Supreme Court is waiting to hear federal prosecutors say why they think it's time for former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell to start serving his prison sentence for public corruption.

McDonnell has asked the justices to let him remain free until they decide whether to review his case. Chief Justice John Roberts has ordered prosecutors to respond to McDonnell's request by Wednesday.

If Roberts or the court rejects McDonnell's request, it will set the wheels in motion for him to report to prison.

McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, were convicted last September of doing favors for a wealthy businessman in exchange for more than $165,000 in gifts and loans. The former Republican governor was sentenced to two years in prison. His wife got one year and one day.