The trial of former Senator John Edwards on corruption charges has focused national attention on Greensboro, NC. This week, an attorney for Virginia heiress Rachel “Bunny” Mellon, who gave a total of $725,000 to Edwards, and whose money is at the root of the criminal charges, returned to the witness stand.

The ultimate question surrounding the sum of money, especially a check for $175,000 that was deposited into an aide’s account, is whether it was meant to be a personal gift to Edwards or a contribution to his campaign. If the government can [...]