Edwards trial delay sought in NC

[November 11, 2011]  GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) -- Federal prosecutors and lawyers for former presidential candidate John Edwards are asking that his criminal trial on illegal campaign contribution charges start a month later than previously expected.

Thursday's joint motion in North Carolina proposes that jury selection begin Feb. 6. The trial was expected to start in January.

A judge did not immediately rule, but such requests are not unusual.

Edwards is accused of asking two wealthy campaign donors to provide nearly $1 million in secret payments used to hide his pregnant mistress as he sought the Democratic Party's nomination for the White House in 2007 and 2008.

Edwards says he knew nothing of the checks, cash and private jets used to fly the woman, Rielle Hunter, across the country and put her up in luxury homes and hotels.

[Associated Press]

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