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Santorum Warned Ensign: Scandal's Going Public

Husband of Ensign's mistress reportedly contacted Ensign directly

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted May 13, 2011 3:01 AM CDT

(Newser) – When the husband of John Ensign’s mistress decided to email a Fox News anchor a request to discuss the affair, Rick Santorum found out—and warned the former Nevada GOP senator, a Senate ethics committee probe finds. Doug Hampton forwarded his email to Fox's Megyn Kelly to Santorum, asking for his help. The former Pennsylvania senator relayed the news to Ensign, Politico reports. Why Hampton wanted Santorum’s help isn’t clear.

The Senate report differs from Hampton’s earlier account, in which he suggested Santorum got access to the email by way of his work at Fox News. The night he received Santorum's warning, Ensign revealed the affair to his staff in an hours-long meeting; soon after, he admitted it to the public. The potential 2012 candidate is not accused of doing anything wrong, reports Politico, which notes that asked him if he had notified his colleague in 2009. “I'm not even going to dignify that question, to be honest with you,” he said. (Click for more from the ethics committee's report.)

Sen. John Ensign (R-NV) participates in a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing on Capitol Hill on November 19, 2009 in Washington, DC. (Getty Images)

Former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum speaks Monday, March 7, 2011 in Waukee, Iowa. (Getty Images)

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Showing 3 of 7 comments

dfwew

May 15, 2011 12:38 PM CDT

All the products are free shipping, and the the price is enticement Posted by www.yessoso.comAll the products are free shipping, and the the price is enticement Posted by www.yessoso.com

Observer

May 13, 2011 2:24 PM CDT

It is funny when a fake Christian fanatic guy they named ass-sex sludge after ( Santorum) would console another whitebread cracker asswipe who got nailed cheating with a married staffer, got his parents to payoff the pissed husband extortionist, clearly is a liar and likely bribery suspect who had to resign before his prosecution. I love to see these pure shit Republicans squirm. Can't do the time? Don't do the crime Frat Boy Ensign - soon to be - submissive girlfriend to Mandingo HIV in Federal prison. He deserves it. Don't forget the KY Loverboy.

zdaydream

May 13, 2011 8:10 AM CDT

Ensign and Santorum are both losers. Don't forget to Google: Santorum. <:-)

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Santorum Warned Ensign: Scandal's Going Public

Husband of Ensign's mistress reportedly contacted Ensign directly

OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

sex scandal • John Ensign • political scandal • Rick Santorum • Rick Santorum 2012

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