Edwards aides spotted at federal courthouse

Two former aides for John Edwards were at the federal courthouse in Raleigh on Thursday where a grand jury has been investigating the two-time presidential candidate.

Former campaign spokeswoman Jennifer Palmieri spent about an hour at the courthouse, according to the Associated Press. Former deputy campaign manager Jonathan Prince spent four hours.

Neither commented when leaving the courthouse.

Efforts to reach Palmieri by both phone and e-mail on Thursday were unsuccessful. A spokeswoman for the Center for American Progress in Washington, where Palmieri now works as the senior vice president for communications, declined to comment.

The U.S. Attorney's office and the FBI have been investigating Edwards' campaign finances for more than a year, seeking to determine whether money was diverted in the effort to cover up the candidate's affair with mistress Rielle Hunter. The former U.S. Senator, who acknowledged paternity of Hunter's baby last year, has denied any wrongdoing.

In addition to working for John Edwards, Palmieri also was a close friend of Elizabeth Edwards, the candidate's estranged wife. Prince was a close aide to Edwards for both presidential campaigns.