Edwards judge sends alternate jurors home

GREENSBORO, N.C. — The judge in the John Edwards campaign corruption trial has sent the jury home after eight days of deliberations and told the four alternate jurors they do not need to come back to the courthouse.

It was not clear whether the judge's decision to release the alternate jurors meant the regular panel was any closer to a verdict.

The four alternate jurors have drawn attention because they have at times worn the same color shirts. U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Eagles said Wednesday that everyone in the courtroom will miss their cheerful faces and not knowing what color they will be wearing each day.

The judge said she was still dealing with a note from one of the 12 regular jurors, but she did not say what it was about. The panel is scheduled to resume deliberations Thursday morning.