Judge: Rep. Duncan Hunter's trial can detail alleged affairs

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Jurors can hear evidence of U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter's alleged extramarital affairs when they consider charges the California Republican looted campaign cash to finance vacations, golf outings and other personal expenses, a judge said Monday.

Prosecutors revealed salacious details about the married congressman's lifestyle in court filings last week, saying he used campaign money to illegally finance a string of romantic relationships with lobbyists and congressional aides.

U.S. District Judge Thomas Whelan said the allegations were relevant to whether campaign money was spent illegally and spoke to motive and intent.

Hunter's attorney, Gregory Vega, argued that any mention of extramarital affairs and "personal indiscretions" would be "extremely prejudicial" at a trial set for September.

"I'm afraid that it will be the focus, instead of the evidence," Vega said.

The judge acknowledged that the allegations were sensitive and said prosecutors and Hunter's team could decide how to describe the relationships.

Whelan, ruling on a flurry of procedural motions, didn't address Hunter's bid to dismiss charges or move the trial out of San Diego. He said Hunter could keep speaking publicly about the case.

The Republican congressman, an early supporter of President Donald Trump, sat quietly next to his attorney during the hearing. Outside, about two dozen protesters surrounded and shouted at him on his short walk to a car with a waiting driver.

His father, former U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter Sr., told reporters that the charges were politically motivated. Attorneys for the congressman have argued that prosecutors tied to the case were at a Hillary Clinton fundraiser in August 2015 and tried to get a photo with the Democrat, compromising their impartiality.

The elder...