Chuck Edwards makes last-ditch plea to avoid censure

Rep.

Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) is pleading with his colleagues to reject his censure in a 22-page letter arguing that the House Ethics Committee made an "extraordinary leap" in determining that his behavior amounted to sexual harassment.

Why it matters: Edwards' aggressive defense of his conduct — allegations that ultimately caused him to drop his reelection bid — comes as he tries to avoid one of the House's most serious punishments.

The House Ethics Committee found earlier this month that Edwards violated House rules over sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment, and recommended his censure.

The findings follow Axios' reporting that Edwards singled out two young female staffers in their 20s for special attention that multiple sources described as inappropriate.

Driving the news: In the "Dear Colleague" letter, obtained by Axios, Edwards argued that gifts, compliments and social interactions that the committee said "could" be interpreted as romantic do not amount to sexual harassment.

"An affectionate friendship is not a sexual proposition.

A gift is not sexual misconduct.

A compliment is not sexual misconduct.

Poetry is not sexual misconduct.

Socializing with a colleague is not sexual misconduct.

Caring deeply about someone with whom you have worked and come to know for years is not sexual misconduct," Edwards wrote.

NOTUS was first to report on the letter.

Context: Edwards wrote one staffer a flattering poem that he read aloud — while choking up and becoming teary-eyed — at her office-wide going-away party, Axios previously reported, and the Ethics Committee found.