National/World

Judge: John Edwards has life-threatening condition

Friday, January 13, 2012

Former U.S. Sen. and presidential candidate John Edwards, right, arrives with his attorneys including Abbe Lowell, left, at federal court for an appearance in Greensboro, N.C., Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011.A federal judge in North Carolina will hold a hearing Wednesday in response to five motions filed by lawyers for John Edwards seeking the dismissal of the case against the former presidential candidate. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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MICHAEL BIESECKER Associated Press

GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) - January 13, 2012 (WPVI) -- A federal judge says she has two letters from a cardiologist saying ex-presidential candidate John Edwards has a life-threatening condition that will require surgery in February.

The letters were revealed during a hearing Friday to consider whether the 58-year-old ex-North Carolina Senator would go on trial later this month for alleged campaign finance violations.

Attorneys for Edwards were seeking a 60-day delay to allow time for Edwards to recover. The judge delayed the trial to March 26.

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Edwards was in court at the judge's request, although doctors advised him to avoid travel and all court proceedings.

Prosecutors say they're ready to try Edwards on six felony and misdemeanor counts related to nearly $1 million from wealthy donors used to help hide his pregnant mistress during his 2008 While House run.

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north carolina, john edwards, national/world