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John Edwards: 'I Did Not Break the Law'

He pleads not guilty to charges

By John Johnson, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 3, 2011 2:48 PM CDT

(Newser) – John Edwards says his behavior was stupid but not illegal. He pleaded not guilty today to charges that donors illegally funneled nearly $1 million to mistress Rielle Hunter and campaign aide Andrew Young to cover up an affair and keep his 2008 campaign alive. Edwards did not have to post bond, but he had to surrender his passport and promise not to contact a wealthy benefactor who figures in the case.

He made a brief statement after his court appearance, notes the Raleigh News & Observer: "I have done wrong. And I take full responsibility for having done wrong. And I will regret for the rest of my life the pain and the harm that I have caused to others. But I did not break the law. And I never, ever thought that I was breaking the law."

John Edwards enters the Federal Building in downtown Winston-Salem, N.C. on Friday. (AP Photo/Winston-Salem Journal, Jennifer Rotenizer)

John Edwards enters the Federal Building in downtown Winston-Salem, N.C., Friday, June 3, 2011. (AP Photo/The Winston-Salem Journal, Jennifer Rotenizer)

John Edwards, center, enters the Federal Building in downtown Winston-Salem, N.C. on Friday, June 3, 2011. (AP Photo/Winston-Salem Journal, Jennifer Rotenizer)

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John Edwards: 'I Did Not Break the Law'

He pleads not guilty to charges

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