Western North Carolina faces a public reckoning as ethics probes shake political leadership in the region; a mountainous, growing hub anchored by Asheville and the Appalachian economy.
The Ethics Committee has recommended the full House censure Rep. Edwards after finding a pattern of inappropriate conduct toward two young female staffers, including lavish gifts, comments on appearance, and invitations to intimate events. A full House vote will occur weeks from now. Edwards has denied intentional wrongdoing.
Lawmaker Chuck Edwards has withdrawn from his re-election bid after an Ethics Committee investigation found his conduct with two young aides to be beyond acceptable standards, though it stopped short of explicit sexual acts. He will finish his current term.