John Edwards to undergo heart surgery

GREENSBORO, N.C., Jan. 13 (UPI) -- The trial of former U.S. Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina is delayed until at least March because he has a heart condition requiring surgery, a judge ruled.

U.S. District Court Judge Catherine Eagles, sitting in Greensboro, N.C., said Edward's recovery from the undisclosed ailment could be threatened if he were to stand trial on campaign finance charges this month as scheduled, The New York Times reported Friday.

Eagles said she was acting on the recommendations of Edwards' cardiologist.

Eagles said the doctors noted Edwards' condition was treatable and he had a good chance of success if treatment was followed, The News & Observer of Raleigh (N.C.) reported.

"The letters from Mr. Edwards' physicians are pretty clear this is a serious condition," Eagles said.

The trial was to begin Jan. 30. Edwards has pleaded not guilty to charges he violated campaign finance law during his failed 2008 bid for the Democratic presidential nomination by conspiring to use about $900,000 in campaign contributions to support mistress, Rielle Hunter, and a child he fathered with her.

He denies the charges levied against him, which include conspiracy, issuing false statements and violating campaign contribution laws.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and $1.5 million in fines.

Edwards, who was at the courthouse Friday, did not discuss his medical condition, the Times said.

In December, Edwards' lawyers asked that his trial be delayed because of a medical issue and the need for more time to prepare his case.

Edwards will have surgery in February and is taking heart medication, Eagles said.