Lawyers for John Edwards will begin presenting his defense at the former presidential contender's campaign-finance trial.
The first witnesses to be called by the defense include former Federal Election Commission chairman Scott Thomas, political pollster Harrison Hickman and ex-Edwards attorney Wade Smith. Edwards' attorneys have not indicated whether he will take the stand.
AP
This photo combo shows Rielle Hunter, left, in an Aug. 6, 2009, file photo, and former U.S. senator and presidential candidate John Edwards in a May 10, 2012 file photo. Hunter billed herself a truth seeker. Then she met John Edwards in the bar of a New York City hotel in February 2006. Their relationship opened the door to a landslide of lies, most notably that the relationship existed at all, and that the child it produced was his. Edwards' truthfulness now lies at the heart of his campaign finance trial, with the former Senator insisting he had no idea that money from a pair of wealthy benefactors was being spent to hide Hunter and keep her away from tabloids. (AP Photo/Jim R. Bounds, Gerry Broome)
Close Edwards has pleaded not guilty to six criminal counts arising from alleged federal campaign-finance violations. He's accused of masterminding a scheme to use nearly $1 million in secret payments from two wealthy donors to help hide his pregnant mistress as he sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 2008.
On Friday, the trial judge rejected a defense motion to dismiss the case. If convicted, the former North Carolina senator faces up to 30 years in prison.
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