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E-mails show Ensign’s staff knew of affair
Monday, Aug. 3, 2009 | 3:13 p.m.
Sun Archives
- Behind the closed doors on C Street (7-19-2009)
- Ethics group amends Ensign complaint over $96,000 payment (7-17-2009)
- Ensign’s $96,000 question: Severance pay or gift to Hamptons? (7-16-2009)
- In D.C., some worry Ensign saga is not over (7-15-2009)
- Ensign gives first Senate speech since acknowledging affair (7-15-2009)
- Ensign to stay in Senate, seek reelection (7-14-2009)
- Silence, not calls for Ensign to quit (7-12-2009)
- If shockers done, Ensign could stay in office, many say (7-11-2009)
- GOP support for Ensign dwindles as new details of affair emerge (7-10-2009)
- Ensign's parents gave Hampton family $96,000 (7-9-2009)
- Hampton portrays Ensign as relentless (7-9-2009)
- Ensign’s pal lacked usual qualifications for top job (7-5-2009)
- Handling the public display of contrition (6-27-2009)
- Off the cuff, Ensign guarded but genial (6-26-2009)
- Fox News had Hampton’s letter earlier than it said (6-24-2009)
- For Ensign, a new lot in Congress (6-24-2009)
- Ensign apologizes during lunch with GOP senators (6-23-2009)
- Back in Washington, Ensign received warmly (6-23-2009)
- Ensign back in D.C.; group plans ethics complaint (6-22-2009)
- In state GOP, Ensign finds few defenders (6-21-09)
WASHINGTON -- Republican Sen. John Ensign’s top staff at the National Republican Senatorial Committee knew about the senator’s affair during the height of the 2008 election season last summer before the party’s devastating losses that bolstered Democratic control of the Senate, according to e-mails obtained by a Las Vegas Sun columnist.
The Sun’s Jon Ralston is also reporting this afternoon that the woman’s husband sought help from former Republican Sen. Rick Santorum, further questioning if Santorum tipped off Ensign that the husband was going public with the affair.
Ralston reports that Mike and Lindsey Slanker, the husband-and-wife team that helped run the national committee when Ensign was its chairman last year, struggled as they dealt with fallout from the senator’s affair.
Ensign admitted an affair with Cynthia Hampton, his former campaign treasurer, whose husband, Doug Hampton, had been one of the senator’s top aides at the time.
Ensign later helped Doug Hampton get a job with November Inc., the Nevada-based political consulting firm run by the Slankers.
Mike Slanker worked as the committee’s political director for the 2008 election cycle, and his wife was the committee’s financial director.
In one e-mail exchange dated July 10, 2008 between Mike Slanker and Doug Hampton obtained by Ralston shows that Slanker would have been aware of the affair. The men are discussing the strain the situation has caused the friendship between their families and work environment.
Another e-mail that day from Lindsey Slanker to Cynthia Hampton further discusses the difficulty the situation has had on their friendship.
Mike Slanker had previously told the Associated Press he was unaware of the affair.
The e-mails are posted here.
Ensign’s Republican colleagues in the Senate essentially gave him a pass after losing eight seats during the 2008 election and putting Democrats within sight of a filibuster-proof majority, chalking it up to a difficult year for the Republican Party.
Ensign went on to be elected by his peers to party leadership last fall, but stepped down from the No. 4 position earlier this year after announcing his affair.
With Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter’s switch from Republican to Democrat, the Democrats have a 60-seat filibuster proof majority.
Ralston also reports that Doug Hampton’s e-mail to Santorum is dated June 15, the day before Ensign abruptly left Washington to return to Las Vegas to announce the affair.
The e-mail is posted here.
Ensign’s office has said the senator decided to go public because the husband was taking the affair to the media.
Santorum has declined to address the situation when asked recently by Politico.
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oh johnnie boy...
you still out there buddy???
hmmm???
are you still in the fetal position on mommy and daddy's basement floor???
hmmm???
you know what i think buddy???
hmmm???
there has got to be a way for mommy and daddy to write another check and make this all go away...
don't you think...
you spoiled pathethic man child who was handed absolutely everything in life...
hee hee hee!!!
hoo hoo hoo!!!
haa haa haa!!!
Except if there's anything new on all the "hush money jobs" the Hampton clan got out of this, I'm really tired of hearing about this crap scandal. If Ensign isn't going to be forced to resign, then Las Vegas has far bigger problems to deal with.
Everytime information on this story is released, Doug Hampton is more and more pathetic. I picture him wearing a dress at this point. Keep a shred of dignity, would you?
Just before accessing this story, I read on Yahoo's page: "TENNESSEE SENATOR RESIGNS AFTER ADMITTING AFFAIR WITH INTERN." Does anyone know Sen Ensign's e-mail address. I thought he should read it.
I hear Doug Hampton has it.
"I picture him wearing a dress at this point."
Not that there's anything wrong with that.
it appears ensign likes any thing wearing a dress nowadays; so unlike larry craig , another outstanding republican.
Only a little new information here, but every successive leak brings the whole mess up again.
Senator E., maybe it's time to fall on your sword over this and let everyone move on.
We just need a little more for another Pulitzer Prize. It is there somewhere, the money, the real estate, "the Family," the staff...it is there somewhere.
Is Ensign going to have a town hall meeting???
It also shows he didn't care about the staff either...let them twist in the wind... is Mommy going to give them money? Or did they already give them money. I like to see the Ensign Tax records for 2008.
I wrote all the member of the Family and ask them about the Hitler-Pol Pot- Mao crap. No answers yet.
Does this mean Ensign won't be a surprise guest at the Sean Insannity Freedumb Concert/Beer Hall Putsch?
Ummm so what! Let's move on folks. In case some have forgot, we have REAL issues going on like a economy is a horrific mess, reckless politicians rushing poorly thought out spending plans, waste! We need leadership! He had an affair, SO WHAT! We have bigger problems to deal with!
Like your style DessertSun!!! Thanks for bringing things back in perspective.
This is important. We have a sexual predator with no morals. Why wont he do his job?
HE HAD AN AFFAIR AS A RIGHT WING EVANGELICAL, JUDGEMENTAL PURIST!!! HE WAS PIOUS AND JUDGED OTHERS, AND PORTRAYED HIMSELF TO BE BETTER THAN ANYBODY. THAT'S THE PROBLEM!!!!!
NOW YOU KNOW. HE HAS NO ETHICS. GET IT DessertSun?????????
And, as for "henderson" and the crackpot comment about Hampton's "dress," one thing stands clear: he did not hide behind anybody's skirt. Actually, as an independent, I feel badly for him, but not too badly. He really was not too selective about his party affiliations, or his friends. . . Maybe he has learned his lesson and will now ask questions, demand answers. I hope he writes a book and takes up some real causes that benefit all Nevadans and Americans, and not just Republicans. He CAN do that. . .
I appreciate everyone's comments, but I still like my (Remedy-Idea) best,... Give em all-(A-ONE-WAY-TICKET-TO-SIBERIA !)
these rightwing/dixiecrat/libertarian type of GOP and their plutocratic, oligarchy, and social darwin
istic ideologies is a real tragedy for the USA; for
this people are economic and national security threats to the USA and its people if they are in
control and especially if they are not in control.
henderson stated in several previous posts on the Ensign scandal that Mr. Hampton was "not straight".
Now it's "I picture him wearing a dress at this point".
What's next henderson, demanding to see his birth certificate?
What's "pathetic", besides henderson, is Mr. Hampton's trust that fellow Republican ex Sen. Rick sanctimonious Santorum wouldn't throw him under the bus or his belief that "fair and balanced" is anything more than a slogan to sell more Viagra. Mr. Hampton's "crime" was to point out that the emperor has no clothes, or at least that he took them off to boink his wife. It's sad to see the spiders eat their own young.
these rightwing/dixiecrat/libertarian type of GOP and their plutocratic, oligarchy, and social darwinistic ideologies is a real tragedy for the USA; for these people are economic and national security threats to the USA and its people if they are in control and especially if they are not in control.
These persons are so devoted to the rule of wealth, superior ity being handed down from generation to generation, and the rule of the very few. So, with just a basic knowledge of the USA Declaration of Independence and US Constitution, it is not very diffcult to see that these people do not believe in the founding documents of the USA and the rule of law in the USA (secular or moral).
The morals and values of all the persons involved
in the situation are very questionable at best;
however, John Ensign is the hypocritical religious
figure who has been a very harsh critic of the transgressions of others whose transgressions do not appear as despicable as his transgressions.
John, I used to be behind you. Now I am behind you to give you the boot.
enough is enough.
The fact that Nevadans accept his behavior hurts the state- makes its people seem sleazy and those who don't like sleazy may not visit.
Henderson writes: "Everytime information on this story is released, Doug Hampton is more and more pathetic. I picture him wearing a dress at this point."
--
Eew!
Henderson, when you're mentally imagining Doug Hampton wearing the dress, is he also wearing sexy lingeree or just a tutu?
No offense but I think your 'gaydar' is running a little hot (not that there's anything wrong with that).
I'm sorry if you find my thoughts offensive. Watch him on Face to Face. I don't believe he is a straight man, and I have gay friends that get the same vibe. Not trying to offend anyone.
As for the dress, I picture it as more of a frumpy number with sensible flats.
No I'm not offended Henderson, just amused.
But I do find it a bit odd that instead of considering Senator Ensign's adultery and "family values" hypocrisy and alleged bribery, you're busy imagining his former senior aide and best friend in women's clothing.
Not that there's anything wrong with that, aside of it's irrelevance.
Mia,
I have previously stated that I think Ensign's actions were deplorable. I have also said that while I think he probably should resign, I hope he doesn't. I appreciate his votes on the issues that I care most about, and in the end, that is all I really need or expect from my Senator. After all, I don't look to my politicians to be a moral barometer and anyone that does is in for disappointment.
Also, for the record crackheadbeack,
I NEVER ONCE claimed that Doug Hampton isn't straight, I said that I don't believe he is a straight man. There is a difference.
I just find it ridiculous that this man went around pleading with people to please stop his wife from being a dirty, dirty tramp.
"She just can't believe this has happened!" Are we really to believe she is just as shocked as the rest of us?
Three of many quotes from headupurasserson from the articles named--
If shockers done, Ensign could stay in office, many say 7/11/09
"Also, did anyone else watch his interviews and come away thinking that Doug Hampton is not a straight man? I'm usually very spot-on with this stuff"
GOP support for Ensign dwindles as new details of affair emerge 7/11/09
"Did anyone else watch that interview and come away wondering if Doug Hampton is a straight man?"
Ensign's $96,000 question: Severance pay or gift to Hamptons? 7/16/09
"I don't think there is any way that he is straight."
As you are so fond of doing, henderson, you ARE a liar.
This will be the making of a great Hollywood movie. May I suggest it be filmed in Las Vegas and the the proceeds of the film be given to the citizens of Nevada. It needs to be filmed in Las Vegas (think of the jobs it could create)! I'm just not sure how the movie will end. Maybe a scene showing a dark room on 'C' street.
crackhead
No idiot! There is a difference between saying "I think something is true" and "I know something is true."
But your a total moron for knocking yourself out and digging up all those posts and still being wrong.
h'son; this story has legs and i dont mean the legs larry craig was using. how any one of moral clarity would want this jerk in office is beyond me.
dipstick,
I want him in office because I like the way he votes on issues I care about. That is all I need or expect from a senator. It is truly that simple.
headupurasserson
Your tinfoil hat is slipping
Found your theme song on you tube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nll8-kSlq...
I don't click on links from crackheads.
The new emails are NOTHING compared to what the two main un-heard from actors in this saga no doubt still have to say....Darlene and Cindy. When will they provide the real information? Or maybe they have traveled to Wisconsin to speak with the four women there who really know how to treat a philandering husband....get the wife and mistresses together and tie him to a bedpost and super-glue his perceived super rod to his belly....Now wouldn't THAT be a political love story worth hearing!
Benighse is on the money. Doug's public whining certainly doesn't picture him as a strong husband able to influence his wife away from a tawdry affair UNLESS that is precisely the situation in the Hampton household. Assuming Cindy is of acceptable intelligence and aware of the almost certain consequences of dallying with a public official, her motives come into play. Excessive libido? Escape from an inattentive mate? I can see the makings of a low budget pot boiler on the Lifetime network ... all that I'm missing is a working title for the drama.
We hear you loud and clear, henderson...it doesn't matter what kind of person your Senator is, how many laws he breaks, how many people he lies to, or how many lives he's ruined...as long as he is casting votes the way you want him to, nothing else matters and you are perfectly okay with that!
The ends always justify the means, as long as you are happy and it benefits you. Screw everything and everyone else.
Stay Classy!!!
Amen JahReb, you get it!
As long as the senator votes my way I'm happy.
His wife, his lover, and her (maybe not straight) husband are not my concern.
I could care less about his personal life. That is his problem.
For the record, I also don't get involved in the personal lives of my doctor, my dry cleaner, or my hair stylist. As long as they do the respective jobs I hire them to do, I can honestly care less who they sleep with.
Henderson, why is it so important for you to speculate that Doug Hampton, Senator Ensign's best friend and senior adviser is gay?
Initially it was because I think it's true that he is not completely straight.
At this point, it's just become totally amusing to me that it gets some of you so riled up.
I think it's safe to say he is no longer Ensign's best friend or Sr. Advisor. I still don't believe he could possibly be completely straight. If so, he is the most femme straight man I've ever seen.
But Senator's Ensign's alleged bribery isn't more important?
Any funds paid to the Hamptons will be investigated, so I'm not worried about that. The truth will definitely come out.
My concern is with my tax dollars. I don't care in the slightest what his parents did. If it turns out that my tax dollars were used to give Cynthia Hampton an unfair severance, I will have a huge problem with that.
you people act like this is the only political figure that has women on the side. get over it. life moves on. he had an affair who cares!!
lol @ shecky,
If you want boobies you should probably check out some other websites. Boobies are rare around here.
senator got laid....get over it and move on people. how many interns in the white house got pregnant this year? but NOOOOOO.....people decide that the only things worth talking about is crap like this, stupid celebrities, dead Jacksons, and lets truly take away from whats really going on....how badly our own govt is jacking us in the rear end. meanstream media is not truly honest, it reports useless garbage most of the time and the feds censor them.