RALEIGH, N.C. - The mistress of former presidential candidate John Edwards says she is helping him live "a life of truth" and the two remain in love even after their affair helped trigger his downfall from the pinnacle of U.S. politics.

In her first public comments since she became known as Edwards' other woman in 2008, Hunter didn't provide any details of their status but said Edwards is a great father who wants to be there full-time for their daughter, now 2.

An attorney for Hunter declined to comment, and a spokeswoman for John Edwards said he would not comment.