Speechwriter says Edwards knew about cover up

MICHAEL BIESECKER
Associated Press

GREENSBORO, NC (AP) — A former speechwriter for John Edwards has testified that the onetime presidential candidate acknowledged knowing that a wealthy donor was secretly supporting his pregnant mistress as he sought the White House in 2008.

Wendy Button testified Tuesday at Edwards’ corruption trial that she helped him in 2009 to draft a public statement admitting he had repeatedly lied about fathering a daughter with his mistress, Rielle Hunter.

Button said Edwards also discussed with her that he knew his campaign finance chairman had been financially supporting Hunter and the baby. That admission was absent from the statement Edwards eventually released admitting paternity.

Edwards has publicly denied knowing about nearly $1 million in secret payments provided by two wealthy donors and used to cover up his affair. He has pleaded not guilty to campaign finance violations related to the money.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)