John Edwards backs out of U of I speech

URBANA -- Former Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards canceled an October speech at the University of Illinois and says he won't make any public appearances until after the November election.

University spokesman Ed Slazinik says Edwards' booking agent notified him by phone and e-mail Thursday morning.

The e-mail included a statement from Edwards saying he didn't want to distract from the presidential election and Democratic candidate Barack Obama.

Last month, Edwards admitted to having an extramarital affair with a filmmaker hired by his political action committee.

The former Democratic senator from North Carolina also canceled a planned speech at Hofstra University in New York.