Edwards Indicted in Campaign Fund Case

This is a sad day in politics for me. I have always liked John Edwards. I was disappointed in his decisions, but I refuse to discount all of his accomplishments. I wonder if this is a test case for the administration before they go after John Ensign. What is up with politicians named 'John'? Interesting

John Edwards, the former senator from North Carolina and presidential candidate, was indicted Friday morning by a grand jury in Raleigh on charges that he violated campaign finance law during his 2008 presidential campaign.

The grand jury, which has been investigating the case for two years, indicted Mr. Edwards on six counts — four involving illegal payments, one involving conspiracy and one involving false statements.

At issue are financial contributions that prosecutors say Mr. Edwards received in excess of federal limits, did not report properly and then misused for the political purpose of hiding his extramarital affair to save his candidacy. Mr. Edwards has maintained that he used the money to hide the affair, but for private purposes — to conceal it from his wife.

Mr. Edwards had a chance to reach a plea agreement and avoid the indictment, but he has chosen not to do so and will fight the charges, his lawyers said.

The decision to fight could lead to a long, messy, public trial and possible jail sentence for Mr. Edwards, or it could lead to his acquittal.

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