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