Yahoo! News asked North Carolinians for their quick-hit reactions to Thursday's not-guilty verdict in the John Edwards case. Here is one resident's perspective.
COMMENTARY | CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- As a Charlotte resident, I feel relieved the entire sordid ordeal is over with. When John Edwards was running for president, I was his biggest fan. When news of his affair with Rielle Hunter was revealed, I felt betrayed.
Today's verdict was not surprising. I have never thought of Edwards as a criminal. I have thought of him as a jerk, a liar, and a cheat. Strangely enough, there is a part of me that wants to believe he is a good man who made some very bad choices just as most people do from time to time. I don't believe a prison sentence would have served a purpose. Edwards needs to be home with his children. I believe that is what his wife, Elizabeth, would have wanted.
I don't believe John Edwards has tainted North Carolina's image. North Carolina voters are able to rise above the scandal.

