Obama staffer testifies at John Edwards trail

MICHAEL BIESECKER
Associated Press

GREENSBORO, NC (AP) — A former campaign spokeswoman for John Edwards has testified that his wife angrily confronted a key donor about his support for the presidential candidate’s pregnant mistress.

Jennifer Palmieri was called to the stand Wednesday by prosecutors at Edwards’ corruption trial. She said the candidate had called her to a Davenport, Iowa, hotel room in October 2007 where Elizabeth Edwards confronted campaign finance chairman Fred Baron and his wife about the couple’s financial help to Rielle Hunter.

In addition to being a longtime communications advisor, Palmieri had become close friends with Elizabeth Edwards. The candidate hoped her presence could help deescalate the situation. Palmieri is now the deputy communications director for President Barack Obama.

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5/9/2012 2:04:00 PM (GMT -4:00)