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Tuesday, July 14, 2009 | 2 a.m.
Reader poll
Doug Hampton interview, part 2 - July 2009
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Exclusive Interview pt. 2, ...
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Exclusive Interview pt. 2, ...
Doug Hampton interview - July 2009
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Exclusive Interview, seg. 2
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Exclusive Interview, seg. 3
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Exclusive Interview, seg. 4
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Exclusive Interview, seg. 1
Sun Archives
- 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)
Republican Sen. John Ensign said Monday that not only does he have no intention of resigning in light of his affair and his parents’ payout to the woman’s family, he plans to seek reelection when his term is up in 2012.
Ensign told the Las Vegas Sun he has received calls and e-mails of encouragement from supporters both in Nevada and Washington.
When asked Monday whether he had any thoughts about stepping down, Ensign said his supporters are sending one message: “They say, ‘Don’t.’ ”
“I fully plan on running for reelection,” Ensign said late Monday evening. “I’m going to work to earn their respect back.”
The two-term Republican senator was back on offense Monday, saying his support is coming from his fellow senators as well as those “on both sides” of Senate leadership.
Ensign said his supporters are telling him, “Keep your head up. This thing will pass.”
Discomfort over the Ensign affair escalated last week after the senator disclosed that his parents had paid $96,000 to the family of Cynthia Hampton, the campaign staffer with whom Ensign had the affair.
She and her husband, Doug Hampton, one of the senator’s top aides, had both left the senator’s employment around the time of the payment in April 2008.
The affair has drawn in Ensign’s colleagues, including Oklahoma Sen. Tom Coburn, a housemate in the Christian home they share in Washington. Mark Sanford, the South Carolina governor who recently admitted an affair with an Argentine woman, has said he sought counseling with those from the C Street house.
In a televised interview last week with Sun columnist Jon Ralston, Doug Hampton said Ensign paid his wife more than $25,000 in severance — a sum that raised alarm because it was not reported, as would have been required, on campaign disclosure statements.
Knowingly failing to report such a payment could be a felony violation of campaign finance law, according to Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington.
The organization has filed complaints with the Federal Election Commission and the Senate Ethics Committee and asked the Justice Department for a criminal investigation.
Doug Hampton also said Coburn had suggested a payment to the family, a claim Coburn has strenuously denied. Coburn has said he suggested only that Ensign repair the damage he had done.
Ensign’s father is a wealthy former casino mogul, and his parents structured the payments in a way that allows them to avoid taxes, each providing four members of the Hampton family payments of $12,000 each — the ceiling for gifts.
Ensign’s statement from his lawyer last week insisted the “payments were made as gifts, accepted as gifts and complied with tax rules governing gifts.”
Tax experts have questioned whether the Ensigns are in the clear, saying just because a payment is called a gift does not make it so, and suggesting the paper trail should be investigated.
Ensign’s colleagues failed to rally to his side late last week as Ensign revealed the payments.
Senate Minory Leader Mitch McConnell declined to comment when approached by the Sun late Thursday as the Senate was closing for the week, as did other Republican colleagues and leaders.
Ensign said Monday an ethics investigation in the Senate is up to the committee, but he stands by the statement from his attorney that the payments were gifts. “I think the facts speak pretty clearly,” he said.
C'mon Senator McConnell, surely you have something to state about this. They were earmarks, weren't they (?)
this idiot is just handing the seat to a dem in 2012. these religious zealouts make me want to throw up.
"both sides of senate leadership?"
yeah, i'd love to see that "friendship" with harry reid continue long enough to keep ensign on the ballot. sure thing, john, keep your seat and we'll grab it in 2012.
Amazing how these political parasites prey on the gullability of the voters. Let's not point to the Politicians but to the voters. That's why the U.S. is going down the tube.
Cool. That'll put Dems at 61 (at least)!
"The two-term Republican senator was back on offense Monday, saying his support is coming from his fellow senators as well as those "on both sides" of Senate leadership."
This statement confirms, one again, Washington politicians live in LaLa land.
If this is true- Congress supports Ensigns reelection bid -it displays a contempt and disdain for all US citizens.
Who do they think they are? A freakin Monarchy?
We need to clean up Washington. All of it.
Each year it smells worse.
The concept of "representation" is a joke. Lately I find it difficult to name one elected official representing constituents -minus lobbyists, special interest groups, donor interests, etc....
How do we turn this around?
What chutzpah!
Immoral idiots have no honor. John Ensign has no honor...he is a scum bag and should resign is post.
I can't bleive that he has the brass to believe he is honorable enough to remain in the U.S. Senate after his sexual escapade...man he has guts to think he can still win! Of course those Republicans that still think he is viable and support him are no better.
I can't believe that he thought of himself so much that he believed he was smart enough to be president of the United States.
This office belongs to the people of Nevada, not to John Ensign, not to the people on either side of the isle in Washington, and not to individuals that won't be named to help him stay in office.
Senator do the right thing... Clear your name and your family's reputation ... step down like a man and go home to your family, you are still kidding yourself if you think your family needs any more of this ...
Your actions have been dishonorable from the moment you decided to cheat on your wife; from the moment you put your physical wants before the honor of your wife and your children; from the moment you thrust yourself into the life of your good friends wife; from the moment you did not think of the pain it would cause her children when your actions would be brought to light; before you brought your aging parents into the mix by having them extend guilt money to the family that will have lost everything because of your thoughtlessness and define it as gifts.
Think for a moment how the children of your good friends must feel now that they know that the money given to them was a payment for indiscretion by you upon their mother and not as a gift from caring friends during troubled times.... Imagine if it was your mom's lover giving you money to cover up his actions... would you have wanted that money? Wouldn't you hate the people who did this to you... and yet the depth of all this pain and deception still gives you cause that you should run again!
Until you make amends for everything you have done ... you will not be honorable enough in my eyes to be able to represent the state of Nevada no matter what your political friends might say behind closed door ... remember all your problems started behind closed doors!!
Great when he runs for re-election he can bring Governor Palin here to help him campaign and fund raise and to save money she can stay at the Senator's home.For pillow talk the Senator and the Governor can discuss their family values. I'm sure that will work well.
Looks like a Democrat will be the next in that seat.
I think it's great that he's running. Ensign doesn't want Gibbions to appoint himself as Senator. It's time for both of these boy's to go back home to Mama and learn with what true meaning of life...
What a schmuck
Can you imagine the kind of people who would vote for this pos.
I like the decision. Let the VOTERS decide your future ... not the biased media and demos on the Hill.
If you want freedom FROM religion, vote him out.
John Ensign should keep his head up. Just not the one between his legs.
Ensign says:
When asked Monday whether he had any thoughts about stepping down, Ensign said his supporters are sending one message: "They say, 'Don't.' "
He must be asking his parents, his kids and his staff because over 80% of us out here want him gone. Oh don't get me wrong, he can stay in now where he is, be ineffective as always and then run again so Berkley can kick his azz.
Fine, Johnny Casino. Just try running again. Whether it's Shelly Berkley or another Dem, the Dem will win in 2012.
Ensign;
"I think the facts speak pretty clearly," he said.
Yes John, they do. Ironically, you don't understand or comprehend them. Nor are you deterred by them.
Factually speaking, you do not have a prayer at reelection.
I know he got at least one letter from a constituent asking him to resign. He's delusional, just like Gibbons, thinking he will actually be able to win reelection.
The real question is when voters will start scrutinizing politicians more closely, and stop voting for them on single issues such as abortion, or because of natural characteristics (gender, accent, race, etc.). It's incredibly sad that so many get suckered in by people who don't even come across as sincere to the rest of us, just because those people say the right holy words. People like Ensign appeal to those who haven't yet figured out that morality and religion are not synonyms. A cagey era of Republicans mixed their desire to fatten the rich with religious zealotry in order to get votes. It was a winning strategy for many years, though they're getting theirs right now. But they've had a hell of a run, and they'll get there again, because we do not have a decently-educated population of criticaly-thinking citizens. Our poor education is bringing the country down.
gunownersforobama:
"Our poor education is bringing the country down."
Well, for dam sure it's bringing Nevada down. Too many Nevadans don't give a hoot about education. Just ask your Edgeyoukaeshun Gov'ner.
GIBBONS/ENSIGN; We can't handle our OWN affairs, but elect us to handle YOURS!
Catch our act on Love-Line, weeknights 6-mid.!
The path is clear.
Rory doesn't run for gubber so Daddy can run him against Enstench. We're screwed any way you go...
The only surprise is Ensign's statement that all he has received is encouragement. Either he is delusional--again--or lying--again.
Another leak in the Republican Titanic.
http://politicalpragmatist.com/?p=418
SHELLEY BERKLEY 2012!!
Great! I knew Ensign had the gumption not to listen to all the negative people, who really don't vote as a general rule. By the time 2012 election rolls around, the liberal democrats will have shot their wad with the voting populace by giving away resources to people who don't work, giving away rights to people who hate America, and will be on the way out (again). Latest polls show Obama losing 11 points of approval in the last month. You can't run a country by spending your time in places like Ghana and Sierra Leone, anymore than Sanford could run SC from Buenos Aires.
I hope Berkley runs against Big John in 2012. She'll lose and a GOP 'er can get her seat in the USC.
Run Johnny Run...excelllllent.
Our Master Plan is working out perfectly.
In these depressing times, the peons want their 'anointed leaders' to bring sexy back, as the kids say.
Mark 'Caliente' Sanford, Sarah "Mensa Milf' Palin, and our boy John 'John'. A trifecta of triumphant leaders to attract the younger voters...
And so may I suggest a few possible campaign slogans:
"You Can't Spell 'Sin' Without Ensign"
"Vote For John & His Parents Will Write You A Nice Check"
"Ensign: Answering The Eternal Question "Who Would Jesus Do"
"Ensign: No Gay Lover Here!"
"Ensign in '12: Preaching Morals, Living Large"
As always, stay classy Las Vegas.
MB
It's a sad day when you convince people that Sarah Palin is smarter than you, Mr. Ensign.
From what Ive observed since Ive lived in this state, he'll probably be reelected by a landslide.
Well, when we have a Republican senator accusing a Supreme Court nominee of bias when he himself was denied a judgeship because, among other things, he called an African American attorney "boy," Ensign's hypocrisy, lies, and possible misuse of public money don't look so bad!
Anyone that votes for this religious extremist should fell right at home in Iran.
I'm sorry Mr. Green they make it worse. How do lies, hypocrisy,racism, sexism, and delusions of grander help us form "a more perfect union"? These clowns are our "face" to the world. Don't torture, but we can. Obey the law, but we won't. Be fair, unless there is money in it for us. Resign if you are caught in an affair or a mensroom, unless it's me. I don't know how we can do it, but we have to try and bring honesty and integrity back to public life. Ya get what you pay for should not be the basis for our government. That's not what I was raised to believe in and the way things are going that belief is about all we have left.
Between the scandals and health care there could be 90 democrats in the Senate
MichaelGreen,
Just so you are aware, of the rulings that went before the US Supreme Court, she was overturned 60% of the time.
Ensign is right when he says she was biased.
Arrogance with a hair doooo.
henderson you dimwit, Alito was overturned 100% of the time his cases got to the Supreme Court. Why don't you call to have him step down? Cause you've got that double standard that the Republicans around here all flaunt.
Wow, where is Slim Pickens when you need him "toe to toe nulceer combat with the russkies" lol
How bout a "Moral Czar"?
Seeking reerection?
Maybe he can buy Senator Frankin's old line for a campaign slogan? It would be bi-partisan.
"I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it, people like me." Ensign 2012
Great! I plan to market a line of Ensign Condoms in xtra-small size, the longer he will be around the better.
As my Asian buddies have asked me: "Is John Ensign Running for Re-Erection." Today, he says "Yes, I am." Then get the bumper stickers ready: "No Sin, Like Ensign!"
Ensign cashiered his lover and then got mommy and daddy to pay off her and her family with questionalbe "gifts." I am tryingto think of any reedeeming value this man has to warrant him staying or being reelected, but the guy isn't even smart. Ever hear him on a Sunday show or a political news show? Good grief, all he can do is repeat Republican talking points -- not a thought of his own in his pretty little head.
Ensign is delusional.
And I am suppose to believe that he is getting emails from constituents saying, "Don't resign."
I'm not buying it. Not for one second.
Senator Ensign, hair today, gone tomorrow.
Is this a joke?
I think it entertaining.
About as entertaining as the 25,000 or so people who died in the world on this day and each and every day. Oh, they died of starvation. Perhaps our country will die one day because of boredom, stagnation, and stupidity? Come let's get on with won't is real. Bye, bye Ensign. Maybe it is enzyme? Whatever it takes to get the man outahere!
According to a poll just from a few weeks ago, Ensign had a higher approval rating than Reid.
Well Nance, that's a silly statement, and you know it.
A poll taken "a few weeks ago" is totally irrelevant. As for his job in the senate, he doesn't do anything, so no, nothing controversial or otherwise to rile folks up.
Ensign's hearing nonexistant voices. Nevada's equivalent to Nixon's Silent Majority is telling him, "Don't go, John. Stay longer, represent us, run again, we love you. Don't go."
Things get weird inside the beltway. It's going to be a long painful journey for John until 2012. I don't think he's gonna make it.
Dear John,
Do I donate to you, or should the check go to directly to your mistress? Should it be made out to Great Leader or President Ensign? Please help!!! It's so confusing these days. Maybe I'll send it directly to your parents, and they can disperse it as they see fit. Remind me of the monetary limit on a "gift" before the old IRS can take it's share.
Anyway, Thanks and God bless. You truly are a man of Jesus.
Oops, wrong site - my bad.
If he gives me $56,000 I'll vote for him.
If all the people who fool around on their wives were forced to resign, there would be no one left
Ensign's refusal to resign shows me he intends to run in 2012 and win it all. I hope he draws a democrat from their top ranks, making it a double grand slam in 2012.
The difference between liberal and conservative feelings on this issue is that liberals would not go after one of their own, unless it would benefit them. I use Hillery Clinton as an example when they shrugged off her experience. Conservatives will send people like Ensign home because if they lie to their wife they will lie to their supporters. Liberals like liars if they are Democrats but hate liars if they are Republican.
I just wish the REPUB's would pressure him enough to get him out and then find someone else to run against Shelly-Needs-Another-Face-Lift-Quick or whatever other idiot the DEMS put up. It won't matter though, since ALL "public servants" do ANYTHING but serve the public, especially those who vote them in.
JUST A QUICK REMINDER, FOLKS-
The only bad part about politics, no matter your party or affiliation, is the scumbags that call themselves POLITICIANS.
If it wasn't for them, we'd all be much better off.
BTW, here is a post from a REPUB, who DID NOT nor will vote for this knucklehead ever AND who is calling for him to get lost. I know of him from his family and the dealings with Casino Johnny's family in the hotels.
Hey Good Time Johnny, do Nevada a favor and go back to performing dog psychiatry or whatever snake oil dance you performed as a vet...Maybe you and Sanford can run off to Spring Break together next year...You two should be a real hit!!!
John had to quit his last profession cause the only ones he could have an affair with....
"According to a poll just from a few weeks ago, Ensign had a higher approval rating than Reid."
Ensign's "approval" was 1% higher than Reid in the LVRJ poll that was taken after the announcement of his affair, but before the political bombshell announcement that he went crying to his mommy and daddy to payoff the woman he was having an affair with!
Only someone dumb as a Rock would believe his poll numbers haven't sunk even further.
"Liberals like liars if they are Democrats but hate liars if they are Republican." Do you really believe this kind of generalization? Now if you said biased liberals tolerate Democrat liars and biased conservatives tolerate Republican liars I might think you have a point. But when you think everyone who disagrees with your point of view tolerates all liars, you're obviously not a rational thinker.