Ex-presidential candidate John Edwards has a life-threatening heart condition that will requiresurgery next month, his doctor told a judgepresiding over Edwards' upcoming court case overpossible campaign violations.
A cardiologist for the 58-year-old ex-NorthCarolina Senator wrote two letters about hiscondition to Judge Catherine Eagles who talkedabout them Friday during a hearing to considerwhether the trial would go on later this month.She delayed it until at least March 26.
Edwards walked into the courtroom in Greensborowithout assistance and appeared healthy. The judgerequested that he be there.
The judge did not give any more details about whatsort of surgery or what illness Edwards may have.The doctor also wrote that Edwards should avoiddriving and travel, including to the courtproceedings.
"The public has an interest in a speedy trial, andthis case has already been continued twice,"Eagles said. "Ordinarily, I would try to managesomething like this. But clearly there are somelimitations on Mr. Edwards due to real and serioushealth issues."
Prosecutors had said they were ready to tryEdwards on six felony and misdemeanor countsrelated to nearly $1 million from wealthy donorsused to help hide his pregnant mistress during his2008 While House run.
