John Edwards Is Reportedly Close to An Indictment While Elizabeth Edwards Reportedly Threatens a Lawsuit Against Former Aide for Alienation of Affection

The National Enquirer is reporting that a federal grand jury is close to indicting two-time presidential candidate John Edwards for the misuse of campaign funds. ABC News reported earlier that Edwards’ mistress (with whom he recently admitted having a child after months of denial) had spoken to the grand jury, here. In the meantime, there is an equally interesting report that Elizabeth Edwards may be preparing to sue her husband’s longtime aide Andrew Young for alienation of affection (here).

The newspaper, which has been in the lead on both the investigation and the affair, is reporting that the grand jury is close to an indictment. The investigation appears to include allegations that he used campaign funds to pay for his mistress, Rielle Hunter. This could prove the most disastrous affair in history since Mark Antony and Cleopatra. At least that affair ended quickly in the Battle of Actium.

The alienation of affection claim seems weak to me. North Carolina is one of seven states with such a law. However, it is usually directed against the lover — in this case Rielle Hunter. It is rarely directed at a third party who allegedly facilitated a cover-up. Moreover, one would expect that if the aide is sued, Hunter would have to be sued as well. She would also have to show a nexus between his conduct and the loss of consortium or affection — which would seem already damaged by the preexisting affair.

According to news reports, Edwards has asked Rielle to marry him, here. He may have to get a bigger reception hall just to handle those people showing up to serve papers to the wedding party.