Edwards fights censure with 22-page defense on harassment findings

Rep. Chuck Edwards sent a 22-page Dear Colleague letter asking colleagues to reject the House Ethics Committee’s finding that he engaged in sexual harassment and created a hostile work environment. He argues that gifts, compliments, socializing, and affectionate behavior are not sexual misconduct and says the relationships with two young female staffers were reciprocal. The Ethics Committee documented incidents including a tearful poem and numerous gifts (over $1,000, plus a handgun) that made staff uncomfortable; one staffer feared retaliation after receiving the handgun. Edwards had dropped his reelection bid, and a House vote on censure is expected after the August recess on Aug. 31.