Former Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards has been given more time to prepare his defense against charges that he broke the law in hiding his affair with a former campaign aide. Edwards faces six felony charges, including conspiracy, accepting illegal campaign contributions, and making a false statement related to money he accepted from political benefactors.
One of the charges relates to Edwards using money to hide his affair with Rielle Hunter, a campaign videographer he impregnated. Because the money was used to protect his public image, prosecutors say it should count as a donation to his campaign, and thus a criminal misuse of funds. Edwards has argued the money should be considered a personal gift, as it was aimed at hiding the affair from his wife and family. The trial is now scheduled for January.
