John Edwards' Former Mistress Goes to Court

Now some fresh pickings from the Political Grapevinee:

Having Her Day in Court

John Edwards' former mistress appeared in a North Carolina federal courthouse today as a grand jury investigates his political finances.

Rielle Hunter arrived through a back entrance carrying her young child, whom Edwards denies fathering. The former Democratic senator and presidential candidate says his affair with Hunter ended in 2006.

That same year, his Political Action Committee paid Hunter's video production firm $100,000, then another $14,000 in 2007. His presidential campaign then paid his Political Action Committee some $14,000 for what is listed as a "furniture purchase."

Knowingly converting money from a Political Action Committee for personal use is a federal crime. Edwards says he was unaware of the payments.

Money Matters

Alaska's attorney general is targeting "bad faith" ethics complaints like the ones former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin says led to her resignation.

Dan Sullivan suggests targeting people who abuse the system for political reasons, saying: "Some state codes make knowingly false complaints — subject to both reimbursement orders and criminal prosecution."

Sullivan also proposes the state cover legal bills for public officials who are exonerated.

Here Comes the Bride?

And Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was asked during her visit to Kenya today about a man's offer of 40 goats and 20 cows as dowry for her daughter Chelsea's hand in marriage. The proposal came back in 2000 when the man wrote to then-President Bill Clinton, offering the animals in accordance with African tradition.

Mrs. Clinton responded today, saying: "My daughter is her own person, very independent, so I will convey this very kind offer."

However, Chelsea Clinton may already be taken. The Washington Post reports, despite the Clinton camp's denials, persistent rumors say Chelsea Clinton and her investment banker boyfriend are planning a late-summer wedding in Martha's Vineyard.

— FOX News Channel's Zachary Kenworthy contributed to this report.