Apr 11, 2012

John Edwards repays $2.1M to taxpayers

By Catalina Camia, USA TODAY Updated 1h 4m ago

Former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards has repaid taxpayers $2.1 million in federal matching funds stemming from his 2008 campaign.

The Associated Press reports the Federal Election Commission received the money from Edwards, the 2004 Democratic vice presidential nominee and former North Carolina senator.

The FEC ruled last year that Edwards was given too much in matching funds after he gave up his second White House bid in January 2008. He appealed the ruling, which was upheld last month.

Public money is available to presidential candidates who demonstrate "broad-based public support." Edwards received more than $12.8 million in public funding during the 2008 campaign.

Edwards' trial on criminal charges that he misused campaign funds to cover up his affair with Rielle Hunter is scheduled to begin Thursday in federal court in Greensboro, N.C. He has pleaded not guilty.

John Edwards repays $2.1M to taxpayers