GOP Lashes Out at Craig Over Decision to Stay

(NEWSER) - John Ensign, a Republican senator from Nevada said to be considering a presidential run in 2012, admitted today that he had an extramarital affair with a campaign staffer, reports Chris Cillizza of the Washington Post. "It's absolutely the worst thing I've ever done in my life," he said at a press conference. "I'm very sorry." His wife, Darlene, backed her husband and said their "marriage has become stronger" in a statement. More»

Senate panel refers case to Justice Department for investigation

(AP) - Former Sen. John Ensign of Nevada broke federal law, made false statements to the FEC, and obstructed a Senate Ethics Committee's investigation into his conduct, the panel said today in a scathing report that sent the matter to the Justice Department for possible prosecution. The former GOP lawmaker "created a web of deceit that entangled and compromised numerous people," the committee said, adding that it had assembled enough evidence to warrant possible expulsion had Ensign not resigned. More»

Senator apologizes to (absent) family and colleagues

(NEWSER) - John Ensign took the Senate floor one last time yesterday and delivered a contrite farewell speech—to a whole lot of empty chairs. Not one of Ensign's senate colleagues showed up to hear the address; Democrat Chris Coons sat in the presiding officer's chair, but opened a folder and started writing about other matters as soon as Ensign started talking, according to the AP . None of his family or friends were there, either, save five staffers lining a bench. One was seen wiping away a tear. More»

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»

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»