Edwards walks

Jurors on Thursday found former U.S. Senator John Edwards not guilty of one count in his criminal trial -- and the judge declared a mistrial on the remaining five counts accusing the once presidential candidate of taking illegal campaign contributions.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) FORMER PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE JOHN EDWARDS SAYING:

"While I do not believe that I did anything illegal, or ever thought I was doing anything illegal, I di an awful, awful lot that was wrong. And there is no one else responsible for my sins. None of the people that came to court and testified, are responsible, Nobody working for the government is responsible. I am responsible. "

The mistrial came after the jury said it was still undecided on five charges on the ninth day of deliberations in a North Carolina courthouse -- the state Edwards once represented in the U.S. Senate.

The jury found him not guilty of accepting illegal campaign contributions from supporter Rachel "Bunny" Mellon in 2008. Prosecutors argued he used the funds to hide his pregnant mistress as he sought the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination.

Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters.