Did John Edwards use campaign cash from his run for the Democratic nomination to keep his affair with Rielle Hunter a secret? That’s what federal authorities want to know, and they’ve launched an investigation.

John Edwards marched toward the White House in 2006 seeking an arsenal of millions collected a little at a time.

He also gathered more ammunition, about $11 million, collected in larger chunks by nonprofit groups conceived and operated to further his aspirations. He also courted a girlfriend.

Federal investigators are trying to connect those dots, sifting through Edwards’ financial records to probe whether he used any donations solicited for his campaign to keep quiet his affair with Rielle Hunter.

Edwards, a Democrat and former U.S. senator, on Thursday acknowledged the investigation to The News & Observer.

“I am confident that no funds from my campaign were used improperly,” Edwards said in a statement.

Hopefully the local media will stay on top of this story. After all, the national media hasn’t exactly shown itself to be interested in reporting the negative for Democrats.