House ethics panel recommends censure of North Carolina congressman

The House Ethics Committee has recommended that the full House censure Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., after finding he engaged in "persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct" toward two former female staffers. A bipartisan panel led by Chairman Michael Guest, R-Miss., and ranking member Mark DeSaulnier, D-Calif., detailed its findings in a 25-page report following a monthslong investigation.

The committee said Edwards violated the House Code of Official Conduct by failing to adhere to the spirit of rules against sexual harassment, though it found no evidence of sexual activity, propositions or quid pro quo harassment. It cited a pattern of behavior including lavish gifts worth over $1,000, comments on the staffers' appearance, invitations to dinners and vacations, and notes expressing affection that it said would lead a reasonable observer to view the conduct as such.

Edwards, 65, denied any sexual or romantic intent and cooperated with the probe, though his counsel submitted a 15-page rebuttal calling the findings "unfounded." The committee said many relevant text messages were missing from his phone, which Edwards attributed to deleting messages "at a whim." Because the House is in its summer recess, a censure vote could not occur until September at the earliest. Edwards is running for reelection in a race rated "Lean Republican" against Democrat Jamie Ager, who has significantly outraised him.

Read the full story at nbcnews.com.