Scandal-Scarred John Ensign to Retire

Senate ethics panel makes unusual move to continue after resignation

(NEWSER) - John Ensign may have quit to avoid further scrutiny of his peccadilloes, but the Senate ethics investigation into his affair with a campaign staffer will go on, reports the Washington Post. “Senator Ensign has made the appropriate decision," said a statement from Sens. Barbara Boxer and Johnny Isakson, who are leading the inquiry. However, “The Senate Ethics Committee has worked diligently for 22 months on this matter and will complete its work in a timely fashion." Ensign will step down May 3, notes Politico, a day before he was to be deposed. More»

Resignation actually helps Republicans in Nevada

(NEWSER) - You won’t find many Republicans shedding tears over John Ensign's resignation . Most seem overjoyed that the scandal-plagued congressman is out of the picture, potentially sparing heir apparent Dean Heller a messy primary battle, Politico observes. “I think he did it for his family, but it also benefits the party,” said one Nevada GOP consultant. “Ensign doing this early is, in many ways, a favor to the party because it allows time to sort it out.” More»

Disgraced senator says supporters don't want him to resign

(NEWSER) - Sen. John Ensign says he’ll stick with his job and run for reelection despite news of his affair and his parents’ $96,000 payment to his mistress’ family, the Las Vegas Sun reports. The Republican says his supporters are telling him he shouldn’t resign, and “I fully plan on running for reelection,” he says. “I’m going to work to earn their respect back.” More»

(NEWSER) - Disgraced Sen. John Ensign gave Republican colleagues a well-received apology today for “embarrassing the Senate” by having an affair, the Hill reports. One colleague said the apology was “very contrite, very sincere.” Sen. Orrin Hatch pointed out that “everybody has flaws,” and said “all we can do is show love and kindness. He’s so well-thought-of in the caucus.” Support even came from across the aisle. More»

Lawmaker is in the midst of ethics investigation

(NEWSER) - Here's a pretty strong sign that the ethics investigation against Nevada Senator John Ensign is making progress: He announced today that he's resigning effective May 3, reports the Las Vegas Sun . Ensign had previously announced that he wouldn't seek re-election, but this dramatically speeds the Republican's departure. "While I stand behind my firm belief that I have not violated any law, rule, or standard of conduct of the Senate ... I will not continue to subject my family, my constituents, or the Senate to any further rounds of investigation," he said in a statement. "For my family and me, this continued personal cost is simply too great." More»