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twitterLETTER FROM WASHINGTON:
Silence, not calls for Ensign to quit
Nevada Republicans have lots of reasons to prefer the senator stay in office
Sunday, July 12, 2009 | 2 a.m.
Sun Archives
- 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)
- War of words between Ensign and Hampton escalates (6-20-09)
- Ensign's office says Hampton made 'exorbitant demands' (6-19-2009)
- Spouse in Ensign affair sought help in letter to Fox News (6-19-2009)
- Ensign's office: Woman's husband approached media with story (6-18-2009)
- Unanswered: Why he told (6-18-2009)
- Ensign resigns GOP leadership post (6-17-2009)
- Ensign fallout could weaken GOP efforts to rebuild party at state, national levels (6-17-2009)
- Ensign's mea culpa tops bad day for GOP (6-17-2009)
- Ensign acknowledges extramarital affair (6-16-2009)
Washington — Perhaps the political future of Republican Sen. John Ensign will become clearer Monday evening at the Chianti Cafe in Las Vegas.
There, the state’s Republican Party leaders will gather to discuss other matters, but amid the mozzarella fritta and calamari appetizers, Ensign’s affair is certain to come up.
These are the loyalists, the volunteers and officials who are trying to keep a crumbling state party together in the face of the Democratic machine engineered by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.
The state’s Republican apparatus has mixed feelings about Ensign, the hoped-for rising star who disappointed — not just because of his affair with his campaign treasurer and his parents’ $96,000 payout to her family, but for all the opportunities that could have been with Nevada’s top Republican.
Perhaps more than Gov. Jim Gibbons, whose approval rating is lower than the state’s 11 percent unemployment rate, or Republican Rep. Dean Heller, these party activists will set the tone for Ensign’s future.
Will they throw him a lifeline or cut him loose?
Two of Nevada’s loudest conservative voices have called for Ensign to resign — talk show host Bill Manders in Reno (the Rush Limbaugh of Northern Nevada) and activist Chuck Muth in Las Vegas (who, technically, is no longer a Republican).
But the bar for scandal in Nevada is uncommonly high. (The governor was elected weeks after a cocktail waitress accused him of aggressive advances.)
One Republican strategist familiar with Nevada politics was stumped to come up with a single Republican leader who would conceivably call for Ensign to step down.
“There’s no one, really, in the state at this point,” the strategist said. “It’s going to be the national party.”
In Washington, Republican Senate leaders seem disinclined to overtly push out one their own, a phenomenon that is part cultural quirk, part strategic silence.
Republicans face a difficult 2010 election cycle in the Senate. (If Ensign’s seat became open, state law says the governor could appoint a successor, followed by a race in the next general election in 2010). That would require sifting through a shallow candidate pool as they are struggling to find a viable challenger to Reid — once their top target.
Jennifer Duffy of the Cook Political Report said Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, who is heading up the party’s reelection efforts for the Senate, “needs another race like he needs a hole in the head.”
She also notes that Ensign’s father, who made millions in the casino business, has been a political donor and the party may not want to drop his son.
Republicans immediately felt the discomfort of Ensign’s disclosure that his parents paid the affair partner’s family $96,000 about the time she and her husband stopped working for the senator. With Mark Sanford’s affair and Sarah Palin’s resignation, Ensign helped create a trifecta they could have lived without as the party has been trying to gain ground in opposition to the Obama administration’s agenda.
But in Washington, Republicans have yet to call for him to resign.
The other person who matters here is Ensign.
Does he want to stick around while the story of this affair plays out? Investigations are being sought, and if the affair partner or her husband files a lawsuit, would he want to be a sitting senator in a civil trial?
Would his family prefer that he pack it up for a quieter place?
Ensign told the Sun last week he plans to stay in office and continue working.
Monday’s meeting of Republicans in Las Vegas, a party strategist in Nevada said, is likely to provide “a sense of the depth of this.”
Discussion: 36 comments so far…
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So Ensign wants to stay in office and keep working? It's a little late for him to start realizing what his responsibilities as a Senator are.
His fellow Senators probably have mix emotions on this issue because they know he's not the only elected official who's got a mistress bedding down in the wings for them.
So if they ask Ensign to leave, would they be asked to leave when they get caught?
How amazing is it that the political party which changed the face of this nation for eight years with George Bush continues to descend? Can this go any lower?
How painful it must be for those who identify with the Republicans' religious base-
The question now? Is the platform for faith based politics in the Republican party now null and void?
Is the religious base willing to accept and tolerate the mockery made of their faith by hypocritical politicians?
Ensign was Cornyn's predecessor as the Republican Senate re-election chairman while carrying on the affair. The Democrats have a filibuster-proof 60 seats. Nice job, Ensign. You are the model of GOP success.
All hair and no brain. Dead politician walking. The Typhoid Mary of schadenfreude. The man who is making wingnuts squirm. Who can't enjoy their popcorn watching this debacle?
Their attempts to invoke Clinton sure do seem lame.
If Ensign stays how electable will he be in the future?
If he stays how successful will the Senator be for the State of Nevada?
And what does this tell other republicans about the values of our party. That we worry about national reelection problems rather than setting honorable standards for OUR CONSTITUENTS.
We, republicans or all Americans, cannot cure the ills of our country if we will not cure the ills of our own house(s) ... hypocrisy ... can never be the foundation of any edifice.
Look for Ensign to stay on.....I personally think he shouldn't let the door hit him in the a** as he leaves but John has a huge case of "Potomac fever."
Plus, keep in mind that the U.S. Senate is an elite club made up of arrogant and pompous politician who actually believe that they're different/better than everyone else....They believe that the rules of society simply doesn't apply to them... The House of Representatives is not quite as bad as the Senate but they also tend to think that their position allows them to operate on a different plane that the rest of us.....
Have you noticed how FEW Democrats has called for Ensign to resign......"Birds of a Feather...."
Where are Pastors Ron and Paula Flores in all this.
Where is the 4-Square International that revelled in all the glory of having a "U.S. Senator" and "future U.S. president" sit in our pews.
Let 4-Square and the Flores reflect on all the times they "compromised their moral obligations" in the hopes of future payoffs from a powerful member.
Suggestion: Read James 2:9
Then get down in sack cloth and ash.
To the 4-Square and the Flores: You are partly reponsible for this dispicable behavior. Both the Ensigns thought they were above God's law because you failed to bring them into accountability.
Yes, they probably would have stopped saying that they attended your church (and that endorsement gave you great credibility) - but reflect back on all the harm your "flock" suffered because of your "greater good" philosophy!!!
This is what happens when you elect people who purport to support the agenda of the "religious right". In reality, most of these people are neither religious nor right.
Looks like the Sun editorial and reporter staff will be harping on this now-non-story for months to come. Ensign has paid the extortion money, paid in full for his indiscretion by publicly humiliating himself and his family, and has moved on to finish the term in office. The next election is in 2012, many years from now, enough time for Ensign to recoup his losses and continue voting his conservative views on limited government and limited taxes, which is what we elected him to do.
afveteran - my sentiments exactly.
Sure what he did was wrong, but for me it's all about the voting record. I don't look to my politicians for moral guidance, I look to them to vote on the issues I care about. At the end of the day I don't care who they sleep with.
Too bad Ensign apparently does care who others sleeps with and votes that way. And wants to impose his agenda on others while he's free to play by his own rules. He's a hypocrite.
The Senator isn't going anywhere. No way are the Republicans going to jeopardize that seat in 2010. As stated in this article, they can't come up with one candidate to run against Sen. Spineless let alone two. They don't trust Gibbons (who does) and it would cost them too much money at a time when both parties are scrambling to fill their coffers for the regular scheduled election. With Kennedy and Byrd both in failing health, the Dems do not have 60 seats so the Republicans will hold their noses and their tongues until 2012, they have no choice. None of the above has never been a more viable option, at least for me.
Well, I'm a republican and I wish the idiot would step down. He was an embarrassment during the 2008 election in which he was responsible for heading up the re-election of republican senators and now he has embarrassed Nevada with his affair. He needs to go back to his Vet practice. He doesn't deserve our tax dollars in his paycheck!!!!!
in response to El Lobo - Of course Democrats are not calling for Ensign's resignation. We're only too delighted to have an unelectable Republican Senator remain in office until 2010.
Ensign shows evetryday while religion does not belong in politics.
Darlene Ensign is still hiding her own behavior too. Darlene Ensign thinks she is above us and wont disclose her sexual behavior.
The religous right is a failure.
If Senator Ensign plans to stay on, then its time for Mr Ensign to live up to his pledges to constituents, otherwise pack your bags, Resign, and carry on with your charlantan ways chasing other Mens wives.
enswine,, er i mean ensign, has done what a lot of men have and will do in their lives; cheat on their wives. the only thing that separates him from the rest is hes an ELECTED official! how STUPID can you be? his judgement was wrong and he does NOT deserve to serve in office NOW! How STUPID can the electorate be to re-elect him?
Start an "Excess Nookie Tax". Every politician can simply donate $1 million from their "hush slush fund" to a reputable charity for every mistress/studstress they have and keep on boinking. At least it would help someone.
He should come out with a line of prophylactics.
"John-Ens"
henderson and adveteran there are two things you either ignored or didn't realize.
One Ensign cheated the taxpayers by living in a "conservative church"
Two- This makes Nevada a joke - and makes us look bad- that we will accept any sleazeball..
Its not my business - maybe not even the voters if politicians cheat - but if they pay their staff for sex and demand others Clinton and Craig resign they lose all creditibilty.
Are you both THAT partisan that you will accept anything?
Ensign will be fine. He's an excellent senator and does great things for our state. Let's keep this in perspective it was an affair. I'm sure most people would agree we want the best mind out there to lead our state and Ensign is that man. My support stands for Senator Ensign!
ocean2026,
You said - "Ensign cheated the taxpayers by living in a 'conservative church'"
How so? I'm not sure I follow how taxpayers are cheated by his residence.
True Enswine uses his dirty church and tax except status to get housing.
These churches should pay their fair share.
Ensign should stop using religion to fund his lifestyle. We all knopw he is not a christian. It just helps in politics.
It would be hilarious if after dinner monday at the Chianti Cafe-John Ensign heads directly to The Olympic Garden.
crinvegas said.....
in response to El Lobo - "Of course Democrats are not calling for Ensign's resignation. We're only too delighted to have an unelectable Republican Senator remain in office until 2010."
I'm one Democrat who thinks Ensign should resign. If he resigned, the GOP would be hard pressed to come up with an appointment that could win in 2010 & the appointment, unlike Ensign, would have ZERO power in the Senate from now until the election in 2010......the new appointment would have low, low seniority.
Sounds like a great deal for Democrats all the way around...
Ensign's seat is up for election in 2012, not 2010. Reid's seat is up for election in 2010. That's practically on top of us now, whereas the 2012 election is still way off. That's Ensign's advantage, time has a way of erasing past mistakes and Ensign's strategy is to lay low and then charge forward in 2011.
I find it very interesting, and telling, that the most ardent of righties that post here still back the "Good Senator".
"Much ado about nothing". Right, Right?
And SgtRockHead continues to mock Clinton by comparison.
#1, John Ensign is no Bill Clinton. Bill's sexcapades would make Ensign blush.
Also, John Ensign, intellectually, is far below Clinton. And none of this is Germaine to the conversation.
Ensign is caught up big time, and has not the intellectual capacity to wiggle thru it.
Ensign:
Lies, Lies, and More Lies.
Ensign:
Pays hush money. And looks like a moron doing it. $25,000 in severance? Nice!
Ensign:
Supposedly has Mommy & Daddy pay his mistress ANOTHER nearly $100,000. Within the realm of possibility that John-John just ran it thru the folks, who knows for sure? Sounds like bribery money to me, but what do I know?
Ensign:
Throwback to the "Moral Majority" era, now the moral minority, and not very moral at all, as it turns out. Right, Newtie?
Ensign:
Attempts a "preemptive strike" with the media. Lies a few times, but sounds repentant. Good enough for Sherm Frederick, and most of the right-wingers.
Hey, who are we to judge right? I mean, payoffs, bribes, lying to constituents, committing adultry with his best buddies wife, giving a "job" to his adulteress's teenage son, these are not to be viewed so negatively, people.
He's just a bumbling fool trying to hang on to his "Senatorial Splendor".
afveteran....
Yep! You are correct. Harry must run for reelection next year & Ensign won't be up for reelection until 2012.
It would be smart for the republicans to pressure Ensign to step down, so that Gibbons could appoint a viable republican to the seat. If someone like Joe Heck were appointed, he would have a pretty clear reelection in 2012 as an incumbent.
Since Ensign's poll numbers have tanked since this news broke (only 38% approval... and that was BEFORE the info about the money from mommy and daddy), putting a clean candidate in Ensign's place would be the smart thing to do.
Wait a minute: that's the smart thing to do, so there's not a chance in heck that's what the republicans will do. They obviously don't trust Jim "10% approval" Gibbons with any kind of responsibility.
Could you blame them?
As we speak, Gibbons has came up with a plan to assure his re-election by eliminating the dems number one candidate to unseat him. His secret plan, he is appointing Mayor OSCAR GOODMAN to Ensigns seat.
Doesn't anyone read the article before posting comments? " (If Ensign's seat became open, state law says the governor could appoint a successor, followed by a race in the next general election in 2010)."
Ensign's not going anywhere. Scandal or no he stays put. The Repubs can't risk a twofer election in 2010, they can't even come up with one candidate let alone two. Ensign is a no to all Dem initiatives so he stays. What's the matter folks, having "Buyer's Remorse"? LOL
Whats wrong with this story?
Darlene Ensign has not been heard from.
Cindy Hampton has not been heard from.
Have the women accepted their roles as supportive second fiddles, with no character or backbone? Is this the Republican way, keep the women off stage as the men prance and preen? These women seem to have been turned into objects to be used by men as they please with nary a whimper.
Darlene Ensign is probably refusing to shred her dignity in public. I don't blame her.
Cindy Hampton is in hiding probably completely embarrassed that her husband is running around on tv making an a$$ out of himself and exposing his girly parts for the world to see.
Hypocrites. Conservatives have officially lost their right to ever ask any elected offical to step down.
Please no lavelle,
Darnit, I'll have to spread the word among my friends. They are not going to be happy.
Conservatives will never lose any right to criticize anyone who favors unlimited government, with unlimited taxation policies, and liberal giveaway programs.