Judge denies John Edwards’ motion to dismiss criminal case

A federal judge in North Carolina denied a motion Thursday from former Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards to throw out the criminal campaign finance case pending against him.

The move paves the way for the trial to begin in January.

The former North Carolina senator was indicted in June on charges that he illegally used nearly $1 million in campaign contributions to hide an affair with a former campaign aide who later gave birth to his child.

Edwards faces six felony counts, including conspiracy, four counts of illegal campaign contributions and one charge of making false statements to federal officials.

The 2008 presidential hopeful has plead not guilty to charges. In court this week, he pushed for the entire case to be thrown out, arguing the charges are politically motivated and based on flimsy legal precedent.

But District Court Judge Catherine Eagles denied Edwards' motions—though she did say Edwards' legal team could raise the issues again in trial.

If convicted, Edwards faces a maximum five years in prison and a $250,000 charge per fine.

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