Admitting To Affair Boosts Edwards' Demand As Speaker

CHICAGO (WBBM/AP) - John Edwards' recent confession of an extramarital affair apparently has not hurt his demand as a speaker.

In fact, a University of Illinois student group found out, quite the opposite.

WBBM's Bob Roberts has the story. 

The Illini Student Union booked the former senator this spring to speak Oct. 14 on "The American Dream."   Even though the speech will be free and open to the public, the signed contract calls for a $65,000 fee.

They may have gotten a bargain.

University spokesperson Robin Kaler told WBBM that after Edwards admitted to having an extramarital affair with Rielle Hunter (shown), a documentary producer hired by his political action committee, the student union offered the former senator a chance to back out.

Instead, Kaler said, "We were told by the former senator's agent that he was in fact booking more speaking engagements and had increased his price."

Kaler did not know what the new fee is, but said the student group was assured that their contract for the old rate was still good.  She said Edwards has not indicated if he will take questions about the affair, but said speakers typically have the latitude to change the topic and topics on which they will speak. 

Neither Edwards nor his booking agent was immediately available for comment. 

Edwards and wife Elizabeth even have at least one joint appearance scheduled, next month at Salem State College in Massachusetts.  It was scheduled before the former senator admitted to the affair.

Edwards also was the unsuccessful 2004 Democratic vice-presidential candidate.