The Latest: Judge allows details on affairs at Hunter trial

SAN DIEGO – The Latest on charges against U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter of misspending campaign funds (all times local):

12:05 p.m.

A federal judge will let jurors hear evidence of U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter’s alleged extramarital affairs at a trial over whether the California Republican illegally used campaign money on personal expenses.

U.S. District Judge Thomas Whelan ruled Monday in San Diego that allegations Hunter used campaign cash on romantic relationships with lobbyists and congressional aides are relevant to the corruption charges.

Hunter’s attorney, Gregory Vega, argued that any discussion of extramarital affairs would be “extremely prejudicial.”

The judge said prosecutors and Hunter’s attorneys could agree before trial on how to describe the relationships.

Hunter sat quietly as the judge made a series of procedural rulings.

His father, former Congressman Duncan Hunter Sr., told reporters that prosecutors supported Hillary Clinton’s presidential bid, compromising their case.

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1 a.m.

A federal judge in San Diego is scheduled to consider a motion to toss out a corruption case against U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter.

Lawyers for the Republican congressman from California contend the charges are politically motivated.

Hunter and his wife were charged last year with illegally using over $250,000 in campaign funds for family trips and other personal expenses. Prosecutors say the money also helped finance his extramarital affairs.

Margaret Hunter pleaded guilty last month to one corruption count and agreed to testify against her husband.

Defence attorneys say prosecutors who initiated the investigation are Hillary Clinton admirers and want to see Hunter, an early supporter of President Donald Trump, driven from office.

Prosecutors at a hearing Monday are expected to ask the judge to block Hunter from introducing evidence about his bias claims.