Las Vegas Sun

December 1, 2009

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Ensign: ‘I’m not running for president’

WASHINGTON -- Republican Sen. John Ensign had one message for those paying attention to his campaign-like swing today in Iowa:

“I’m not running for president,” Ensign told the Sun. “Let me say that in very clear terms.”

Ensign’s trip to Iowa has fueled much speculation of his 2012 presidential intentions, and he has neither swatted back nor encouraged such chatter.

His trip took him to the Republican-friendly Sioux City area, to a bio-engineering firm in Sioux City and at the Wells Bunny Ice Cream Parlor in Le Mars. One man asked when Republicans are “going to quit forming a circle shooting at each other,” and another wanted to know how to bring more young people to the Republican Party.

“When we realize we want to get back into the majority, and stick to our principles, then I think we will get back in the majority,” Ensign said.

“We need to use technology in a better way – President Obama did an incredible job on that. We can’t afford to be behind the tech curve.”

As if on point, Ensign Twittered part of his trip.

Ensign said touring the area reminded him of visiting parts of “rural Nevada. It’s fun being out there and talking to folks, listening to their concerns, eating ice cream.”

And yes, Ensign did what politicians (even those on a diet) are supposed to do when they go to the “Ice Cream Capital of the World”: He ate the ice cream.

“It’s a killer flavor," he said, explaining "Bunny Track," as having little chocolate bunnies, caramel, peanut butter. In a cup, no cone -- because the day was still young, and he still had an evening speech still to deliver. “I didn’t have a change of shirt. I didn’t want it going down the front of me.”

Discussion: 9 comments so far...

  1. How do you know when a politician is lying?

  2. Keep it up Senator. At least one of Nevada's Senators is out listening to people and seeking solutions the people want.

  3. Good, you wouldn't win anyway, and it's much more fun to laugh at Sarah Palin if she thinks she can run!!!

  4. run, John, run

  5. "I'm not running for president," Ensign told the Sun. "Let me say that in very clear terms."

    Translation: Make no mistake about it. I am running for president.

  6. Yes you are John and good luck > YOU WILL GET MY VOTE!

  7. John Ensign has no chance to be the GOP candidate for president come 2012....I say that based on the belief that he has such a low profile as Nevada's junior senator.

    I think he has done a good job over-all representing his constituents but senators from small populated states have a tough time getting the support that is needed to represent their party as a presidential candidate....They often do well in being named the vice-presidential candidate but not the top spot.

    Look at the last six men who have been elected president....Carter, Reagan, Bush sr., Clinton, Bush Jr., & Obama. With th exception of Clinton, (Arkansas) the remaining five all came from large populated states...

    It's posible but not likely......stay where you are John.

  8. while Ensign was in Iowa, the Republican party ran an internet ad attcking Obama for "partying" in Vegas,,,,the roulette wheel spinning etc. didn't do much for dear John..I wonder who was was behind it...?
    The only people that like Ensign for Pres are a handfull of kooks and nuts on the local hate-talk radio station, and they contend that WMD was found in Iraq, Obama is a Commie, and Palin will be the next Pres or VP...

  9. If Obama was "partying" in Las Vegas, hopefully it was at the Hacienda, which John Ensign OWNS!

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