Rachel “Bunny” Mellon has passed away at 103. The heiress will be known for many things and many political connections. But here in North Carolina, she is known for this:
Ms. Mellon’s name returned to the headlines only in the past decade. Her largely private life was associated with scandal after the 2008 presidential election when it was revealed that she was the source of money used to support Democratic candidate John Edwards’s secret mistress and child. Ms. Mellon wasn’t accused of any wrongdoing.
The campaign had taken to calling Ms. Mellon’s gifts—about $750,000—”Bunny Money.” Her lawyer said in 2011 that money was intended for Mr. Edwards’s personal use, and Ms. Mellon didn’t know where it was directed.
