The defence rested its case yesterday in the federal trial of former senator John Edwards on charges that he used presidential campaign finances to hide his then pregnant mistress from voters, setting the stage for jury deliberations as early as this week.
Mr Edwardss lawyers, who maintained that he was hiding the affair from his cancer-stricken wife, Elizabeth Edwards, rather than from voters, wrapped up their case after calling seven witnesses.
But three of the most anticipated witnesses never took the stand: Mr Edwards, his eldest daughter Cate and Rielle Hunter, the woman with whom he had an affair during his 2008 presidential bid.
Closing arguments are due to begin today, the judge overseeing the trial said, meaning the jury could potentially start deliberations either later to day or Friday.
Attorney Abbe Lowell had previously said the defence was considering putting Ms Hunter, Mr Edwards and Cate Edwards on the stand in an attempt to refute charges that the one-time politician solicited illegal campaign contributions. – (Reuters)