Corruption

Bill Richardson Affair Under Investigation

May have paid off woman who said they slept together.

John Edwards may not have been the only 2008 Democratic candidate for president who misbehaved. A federal grand jury is investigating former New Mexico governor Bill Richardson for campaign-finance violations from his 2008 presidential run, including an allegation that he had supporters pay off a woman who said she and Richardson had an affair. According to The Wall Street Journal, the woman is a former member of Richardson’s inner circle who considered suing him until she was paid $250,000. The prosecution is arguing that the money amounted to a de facto campaign contribution, since it was meant to aid his presidential run. The jury’s decision is expected within weeks.