John Edwards trial: Defense team rests case

GREENSBORO, N.C. (KABC) -- John Edwards' defense team rested its case Wednesday without calling the former presidential candidate or his mistress to the witness stand.

The former U.S. senator is charged with masterminding a plan to use nearly $1 million from two wealthy donors to hide his pregnant mistress. Edwards and Rielle Hunter had an extramarital affair while he was running for president in 2008.

Edwards has pleaded not guilty to six counts of campaign finance violations. He faces up to 30 years in prison and $1.5 million in fines if convicted of all charges.

Some people watching the case expected Edwards to testify in his own defense. The fact that he didn't signals the defense believes it has already proven its case.

Defense lawyer Abbe Lowell made one more attempt to get the case dismissed, but it was denied by the judge. Closing arguments are scheduled to begin Thursday morning.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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