[OldDeckHand]

"How was Edwards’s mistress paid off? In cash??"

Good point. But, that was probably more a function of Edward's own hubris, rather than some function of criminal wrong-doing. From what I gather, it's not extortion that is presumably going to be alleged by the feds in that case. I believe the issue there is a misappropriation of campaign funds.

In any case, Hunter's receipt of those funds aren't illegal per se, so long as either it was claimed income, or the gift tax was paid on her behalf.

In this case, the money alone - especially in such a traceable form as a check - would be powerful evidence of extortion - which you might think a guy who covers crimes for a living might recognize.

[kenavi]

In any case, Hunter's receipt of those funds aren't illegal per se, so long as either it was claimed income...

Dollars to doughnuts, this producer sent Dave "Worldwide Pants" a proposal for a documentary investigative report using his (the producer's)unparalleled sleuthing skills.

As evidence of such sleuthing skills, the producer volunteered to Dave "Pants" how he (the producer) had uncovered numerous affairs of Dave "Pants", despite all of Dave "Pants"'s precautions.

I expect that Letterman's alleged blackmailer is indeed not stupid, and produced a legitimate paper trail to justify someone investing a couple of million dollars.

We shall see.