John Edwards Prosecution to Hit Finale Without Rielle Hunter
Published at
Sara D. Davis/Getty Images(GREENSBORO, N.C.) — The finale in the prosecution of John Edwards on Thursday may feature Leo Hindery, a political backer who witnessed Edwards’ desperate attempt to salvage a top level job from Barack Obama even after Edwards’ mistress gave birth to his love child.
Hindery is expected to be one of the last witnesses for the prosecution before it rests its case on Thursday.
Conspicuous by her absence will be Rielle Hunter, Edwards’ lover who had his baby while Edwards was seeking the 2008 presidential nomination.
Hindery is expected to tell the jurors that even after Hunter gave birth to daughter Frances Quinn and Edwards dropped out of the presidential sweepstakes, Edwards was still trying to make political deals with Obama to be vice president or attorney general.
Edwards is on trial for allegedly using nearly $1 million in donations to hide his pregnant mistress. Hindery’s testimony could bolster the allegation that his efforts to keep the affair secret was tied to his political ambition.
The one-time presidential candidate could be sentenced for up to 30 years in prison if convicted.
Edwards’ defense, however, claims the money was spent to hide Hunter from his wife Elizabeth, who was dying of cancer.
Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio