RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Newly released emails show Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell attended an event at the Executive Mansion to promote a new product from a generous campaign donor despite concerns from top aides.

The emails, first obtained by The Washington Post through a Freedom of Information Act request and reported late Tuesday, don’t reveal whether the aides expressed concern directly to the Republican governor, but show they questioned whether McDonnell should attend the 2011 luncheon to launch a dietary supplement made by Virginia-based Star Scientific. They also show efforts by the governor’s staff to play down his appearance at the event.