Posted by
Roxanna M. on Sunday, August 10, 2008 9:52:28 AM
Saw yesterday where Rielle Hunter, the women who had an affair with John Edwards and gave birth to somebody's illegitimate child, has said no to a paternity test. I know that a paternity test can be ordered if the mother sues for paternity, but I don't think that John Edwards can force such a test just to clear his name.
Of course, he said the affair ended in 2006. Since the baby was born at the end of February 2008, there's no possible way he can be the father. So, we don't need no stinking paternity test. Right?
Cynic that I am, it sounds to me like she's being bought off. Of course, this raises some other issues. Somebody is supporting this woman and her child, since she doesn't appear to have a real job. There has been talk that money has been paid to her out of Edwards' campaign funds. If so, that's a big no-no. If, on the other hand, he's giving her money out of his pocket, then it's either income to her or a gift to her, both of which must be reported to the IRS. It's not child support if he's not the father.
Everyone involved would do well to remember that Al Capone went to prison for tax evasion. If the IRS comes a callin' on Ms. Hunter, things could change drastically and quickly. Mr. Edwards might just have to take that paternity test after all. Let's see how gallant he is then.