Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Ensign's Parents Gave Mistress' Family $96K

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 9, 2009 5:24 PM CDT

(Newser) – Yet another twist in the John Ensign scandal: The Nevada senator's parents gave his mistress and her family nearly $100,000 when their son's affair came to light, reports the Las Vegas Sun. The Ensigns gave the money to the Hamptons in the form of gifts under $12,000 each to stay in line with tax laws.

Nothing shady about it, says their attorney: The Ensigns gave the money "out of concern of the well-being of the longtime family friends during a difficult time." The gifts came in April 2008 as Cindy and husband Doug Hampton were resigning their posts from Ensign's office. Ensign, meanwhile, reiterated today that he has no plans to resign, and an ethics groups called for a federal investigation into a separate $25,000 severance payment to Cindy.

Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., at his news conference in June.
Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., at his news conference in June.   (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)
Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev.
Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev.   (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds, FILE)
Doug Hampton, husband of Cindy.
Doug Hampton, husband of Cindy.   (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
ghhugh
Jul 10, 2009 11:41 AM CDT
DON't you love it. These god fearing do gooders who stand on the backs of their families to advance their cause of greed, dupilicity and the GOP way.
brawne
Jul 10, 2009 3:24 AM CDT
if he titles it Secondary Comes.
kokuaguy
Jul 10, 2009 1:11 AM CDT
Joe Klein couldn't have imagined anything better for his next Washington novel

More Newser Stories

John Ensign Hit With Scathing Ethics Report

Ensign Inquiry Will Go On

Nevada Senator John Ensign to Resign

GOP: Good Riddance, John Ensign

Scandal-Scarred John Ensign to Retire


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne