veracruz giannini: Judge: John Edwards has life-threatening condition

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Judge: John Edwards has life-threatening condition

Chuck Burton / AP file

Former U.S. Sen. and presidential candidate John Edwards leaves federal court after an appearance in Greensboro, N.C., Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011.

By NBC News and wire services

A judge on Friday agreed to delay the campaign-finance trial of ex-presidential candidate John Edwards after his attorney presented two letters detailing a life-threatening?heart condition that will require surgery next month.

A cardiologist for the 58-year-old ex-North Carolina Senator wrote two letters about his condition to Judge Catherine Eagles who talked about them Friday during a hearing to consider whether the trial would go on later this month. She delayed it until at least March 26.

Edwards walked into the courtroom in Greensboro without assistance and appeared healthy. The judge requested that he be there.

The judge did not give any more details about what sort of surgery or what illness Edwards may have. The doctor also wrote that Edwards should avoid driving and travel, including to the court proceedings.

"The public has an interest in a speedy trial, and this case has already been continued twice," Eagles said. "Ordinarily, I would try to manage something like this. But clearly there are some limitations on Mr. Edwards due to real and serious health issues."

Prosecutors had said they were ready to try Edwards on six felony and misdemeanor counts related to nearly $1 million given by wealthy donors and?used to help hide his pregnant mistress during his 2008 White House run.

Edwards' attorneys need to update the judge on his health by Feb. 28.?Eagles also set an attorney's conference for March 1.

NBC News and The Associated Press contributed to this report.