Clinton aide Abedin to testify before Benghazi panel Friday

Hillary Clinton’s longtime aide, Huma Abedin, will testify Friday before the House Select Committee investigating the Benghazi terror attacks, according to multiple reports.

Abedin’s testimony comes shortly before former Secretary of State Clinton will testify on Oct. 22 and as the controversy over the House GOP’s Benghazi probe intensifies.

{mosads}A committee source told CNN that Abedin will not undergo a full deposition and would be interviewed behind closed doors by committee staffers.

Abedin is vice chairwoman for Clinton’s 2016 presidential bid and previously served as her deputy chief of staff at the State Department.

Democrats have stepped up their attacks on the Benghazi panel after remarks from House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) tying the probe to Clinton’s falling poll numbers.

Critics of the Benghazi panel seized on the remarks, arguing that McCarthy was acknowledging that the investigation is politically motivated and intended to hurt Clinton ahead of the 2016 election.

The remarks also brought McCarthy criticism from his own party, with Benghazi Committee Chairman Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.) saying he “screwed up” and defending the integrity of the probe.

Last week, House Republicans blocked an effort by Democrats to end the probe.

Abedin is also the wife of former Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.).