Judge sets John Edwards trial for October

John Edwards' trial will begin in October, a federal judge ruled Thursday, rejecting claims from the former Democratic presidential hopeful's attorneys that they needed more time to prepare.

The former North Carolina senator had been pressing for a January trial date, but per the Associated Press' Tom Breen, District Court Judge Carlton Tilley said he saw no reason to postpone the trial further.

Edwards was indicted in June on charges he illegally used political contributions to hide an affair with a former aide to his 2008 campaign, who later gave birth to his child. He faces six felony counts, including conspiracy, four counts of illegal campaign contributions and one charge of making false statements to federal officials.

He has pled not guilty to the charges. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine per charge if convicted.