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twitterThe Senator’s Scandal:
Back in Washington, Ensign received warmly
But he can’t save tourism bill he co-authored as all other Republicans but one vote no
Lauren Victoria Burke / associated press
Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., speaks with reporters on his way to a vote Monday in Washington. Ensign’s tourism bill failed to advance on a 53-34 vote along party lines.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009 | 2 a.m.
Sun Coverage
Sun Archives
- 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)
Ensign Admits Affair
U.S. Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., acknowledged an extramarital affair with a campaign staff member Tuesday afternoon at the Lloyd George Federal Building in Las Vegas.
Audio Clip
- Sen. John Ensign read a statement about his extramarital affair with a member of his campaign staff at a press conference on Tuesday, June 16, 2009.
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Sun Coverage
Beyond the Sun
Washington — A week after admitting an affair with a campaign aide, Republican Sen. John Ensign returned to the capital Monday, receiving handshakes from colleagues but unable to salvage a bill he had co-authored to help the tourism industry.
It was Ensign’s first public appearance since last Tuesday, when he disclosed the eight-month affair. Since then Ensign, one of Nevada’s most-liked elected officials, has resigned his No. 4 GOP Senate leadership post and watched his popularity plummet.
On Monday Ensign, wearing a dark suit and bold red tie, arrived on the Senate floor smiling and seemingly upbeat. He accepted a few half-hugs and shook hands with Democratic Sens. John Kerry of Massachusetts and Chuck Schumer of New York, among others.
Republican Sen. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma, who shares a house with Ensign and others, stood by Ensign’s side.
Whether the once-rising party leader could have marshaled support to overcome the bipartisan warfare that erupted over the tourism bill in the Senate is hard to measure.
The bill, which called for a $10 charge on visa applicants to fund a new tourism agency, had broad political support from 46 Republicans and Democrats.
But it became tangled with amendments and failed to advance on a party-line vote, 53-34. Only two Republicans — Ensign and Sen. Mel Martinez of Florida, who shepherded the bill through the floor in Ensign’s absence — voted yes.
All the Democrats present voted for the bill but eight Democrats were absent, leaving Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid — who had co-authored the bill with Ensign — without enough votes to cross the 60-vote threshold.
Reid switched his vote at the end so he can bring it back in the future.
The bill would have benefited Nevada and other tourism states by establishing an office to promote the U.S. abroad and try to recapture business lost after Sept. 11, 2001.
Geoff Freeman, a senior vice president of the U.S. Travel Association, said he couldn’t say whether Ensign’s absence over the past week made a difference in the bill’s fate.
Nevada Democrats pounced on Ensign’s troubles, with the state party saying in a statement that “recent distractions of his personal life are affecting John Ensign’s ability to do his job for Nevadans in Washington.”
Democrats are already eyeing Ensign’s seat.
The senator, who just last month generated a favorable opinion among 53 percent of Nevada’s voters, now tallies 39 percent, according to a weekend poll published in the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Those who have an unfavorable view of the senator doubled.
The poll showed voters split on whether they would reelect him in 2012, and Democratic Rep. Shelley Berkley has indicated she might run against him, a notion not dispelled Monday.
The Washington Post’s Chris Cillizza wrote Monday that Ensign’s actions may “imperil” his political future.
And one Republican strategist, Mark McKinnon, a moderate former Bush administration adviser, posted on The Daily Beast that Ensign should resign.
Just months before Ensign began the affair with his then-campaign aide, Cynthia Hampton, in December 2007, he told the Associated Press that he would resign if he found himself in a situation similar to that of his colleague, the former Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho. Craig had been arrested in an airport men’s restroom sting.
“I wouldn’t put myself, hopefully, in that kind of a position ... but if I was in a position like that, I think that’s what I would do,” Ensign told the Associated Press at the time.
Yet the clamor for Ensign to step aside is running into the realities of Nevada and Washington politics.
In the Review-Journal poll released Sunday, 62 percent of Nevada voters said Ensign should not resign.
In Washington on Monday, Republicans dismissed resignation talk, saying the 2012 election was many political years away. They note that Ensign’s approval ratings remain higher, though only slightly, than Reid’s.
Many Republicans believe Ensign can recover, even as they contend there remain several unanswered questions about his affair.
Ensign claims that over the past month the attorney for the woman’s husband, Doug Hampton, demanded exorbitant amounts of money for his client — a statement that falls short of the blackmail claim initially floated to some media outlets.
The FBI and Metro Police in Las Vegas say they are not investigating an extortion case.
Ensign’s office has declined to say how much money was sought or whether the senator gave the couple any money. His office has also declined to say whether the senator went to the authorities.
Legal scholars have told the Sun the difference between extortion and a lawyer simply playing hardball in demanding sums for a client depends on the details of the conversations and the jurisdiction where they occurred.
Ensign has said he went public with the affair because Doug Hampton, a former top aide in the senator’s office during the time of the affair, was taking the story to the media.
Last week the Sun obtained a letter written by Doug Hampton to Fox News, pleading with the network to conduct an investigation into the senator’s “relentless pursuit” of his wife. He said he wanted “restitution.”
Fox News did not air a story, saying initially that the man did not sound credible and that after Ensign acknowledged the affair it let the story slip away.
Both Fox and Ensign have said the news station did not tip off the senator to the husband’s letter. Ensign hasn’t said how he knew the husband was approaching the media.
A watchdog group, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, said Monday it is calling for an investigation of activity surrounding the affair. It said it expects to file the complaint with the Senate Ethics Committee by midweek.
The organization’s executive director, Melanie Sloan, told the Sun last week that questions remain about the couple’s dismissal, and the money used to pay their salary and any possible severance.
Cynthia Hampton’s pay doubled during the time of the affair, an increase Ensign’s office said was in line with her added duties with his campaign committees. Doug Hampton’s extra pay during his final month was for accrued vacation time, the senator’s office said.
The Hamptons left the senator’s employment in May 2008, but the circumstances remain unclear. The affair ended in August.
At Ensign’s office Monday, the door was open and aides were working at their desks but the office declined to share the senator’s schedule. Reporters staked out the hallway.
Discussion: 51 comments so far…
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only in d.c. can these idiots survive [both parties]. these folks think that d.c. is their home, not where they came from.
Buy buy En.
Back to business as usual?
We vote for these people to represent us and they circle the wagon train like we are the enemy?
Is this the reality of our political system?
Men can lie and cheat and pretend all is well?
No integrity, no honor,? We need new parties, new representation.
I'm tired of the "good ole boy" network in Washington. If their moral values are representative of ours, we have a real problem.
Kool aid drinking liberals--throw the first stone.\Ensign did an unacceptable thing,but he will survive. Actually it would be a good party move for Ensign to resign. Gibbons could appoint a new Republican senator,then Ensign could run against Reid in 2012 and beat him. In the meantime Ensign could be a Fox news commentator.
A superb example of willful stupidity. Despite all evidence, ignore it, spin it, wish it away.
There is a difference between surviving and living. Ensign may survive, but his career will now slide downward. He may keep his office, but he will not be an effective Senator. Since he was more of a hairstyle than a mind in the first place, with his incredibly poor decision to have an affair within his office, his credibility is shot. While he might not resign, he is done. Reality 101.
I know Ted Kennedy and Senator, you are no Ted Kennedy.
ENSIGN MUST RESIGN.
His actions were reprehensible, his behavior unethical and amoral.
Sure he'll probably stay in office. As a result, repubs will likely be swept out of office for the forseable future. Thank Ensign when your party's only voice is a whiney whimper.
Unfortunately Ensign will not resign and he will be reelected in 2012. Sad but true.....the comment make by "formervegas76" hit the nail on the head when he said "these folks think that d.c. is their home, not where they came from..."
Both parties no longer represent us, nor do they want to....they represent themselves and various special interest groups..stories of the old corrupt Roman Senate comes quickly to mind when describing our current U.S. Senate.....It really doesn't matter which party is in control....
Time to throw all the bums out.....we need two new parties and we need term limits and campaign finance reform...
WE MUST BRING UP IMPEACHMENT PROCEDINGS AGAINST JOHN ENSIGN IMMEDIATLY!!! ENSIGN HAS DECIEVED FOR THE LAST TIME!!! HOW CAN WE TRUST HIM TO WORK FOR NEVADANS WHEN HE HAS THE AUDACITY TO CHEAT ON HIS WIFE WITH HIS "GOOD FRIENDS" WIFE??? THATS LIKE FINDING OUT YOUR BEST FRIEND WAS SLEEPING WITH YOUR WIFE... WOULD YOU REALLY BE FRIENDS WITH HIM AGAIN??? IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ALSO IF YOU WERE GOOD FRIENDS WITH ENSIGN AND YOU FOUND OUT THE HE HAD AN AFFAIR WITH ANOTHER FRIENDS WIFE WOULD YOU EVER TRUST HIM AROUND YOUR WIFE AGAIN??? I SURE THE HECK WOULD'NT WANT THAT LYING, CHEATING, HYPOCRITE, SCUM ANYWHERE AROUND MY FAMILY AND I DEFINATLY DON'T WANT HIM "WORKING" AS MY SENATOR. WE SHOULD ALL KNOW BY NOW THAT THIS HACK DOESNT WORK FOR NEVADANS BUT ONLY THE CORPORATIONS THAT SUBSIDIZE HIS INCOME, WHERE DO YOU THINK HE GOT ALL THE MONEY TO PAYOFF THIS FAMILY??? THAT MONEY DID'NT COME OUT OF HIS POCKET. I WANT TO KNOW AND I THINK ALL NEVADANS SHOULD KNOW WHERE HE GOT THE MONEY TO PAY THESE PEOPLE AND EXACTLY HOW MUCH MONEY DID HE "PAY" THESE PEOPLE. IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You know the Hamptons are shopping the tabloids for the best offer, that is unless Ensign backers (e. g. CEO of an airline) cough up more money to save their house. The Nevada AG or Berkley might be able to take him out if he runs again. Does Ensign's door mat, I mean wife, like this political stuff? Ensign may call it quits.
There's a good u-tube audio of Ensign on the Bill Mander's radio show in Reno, were Ensign, at the time he was in the middle of the affair, talks about his marriage of 20 years. What a pathological hypocrit.
to "HOUSTONJAC"- "Kool aid drinking liberals--throw the first stone." wow this is'nt an issue of liberal/neo-con-nazi or dem/repub. This is an issue or morality!!! i should'nt really be surprised by your comment and your approval of Ensign since it is becoming widely known how republicans lack any moral value what-so-ever. They run on the "family values" ticket all to get a vote and they even know it's a huge sham. There's a vid of George W Bush before he became governor of Texas saying that all he needs to do to win is tell all the evangelicals that he is a born again christian and then he started laughing about it because he knew how easy it was to make people believe that. We as a society need to really check ourselves and vote for honest trustworthy people to represent us, not these life long lying politicians that will say and do anything to get a vote, and that goes for all democrats and republicans alike. IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH
Take a Xanax, Rebel. Ensign cannot and should not be impeached for an affair.
Unfortunately, Ensign has damaged Nevada's reputation and credibility, and ultimately his irrelevance as a powerless Senator will hurt Nevada's interests.
ksand99 - see it's people like you who just dont think its a big deal. you probably, like Ensign, enjoy a good ole affair when you get a chance. Think about Ensign's wife and kids and how horrible they must feel to be cheated on, how would you feel if you were the one cheated on(cheated on with your "bestfriend"). People it's time that we become a genuinly moral society again and to do so we must wash our hands with these lying, immoral individuals! These crooks in the senate could care less about "we the people", all they care about is their special interest corporate partners and god knows they would never CHEAT on their corporate partner, because then they would LOSE their seat in the senate or house. It's time "we the people" take back this country from the corporations that are ruining this great country. Let's stand up for "true moral, family values" not the "family values" that republicans(and its not just repub's, its all parties at this point) like Ensign have been talking about because we all know thats just a crock of lies!
"I wouldn't put myself, hopefully, in that kind of a position ..."
Unbelievable, simply unbelievable, this guy can't even make a definitive statement about a potential moral lapse. "Hopefully" when I'm caught boinkin my friend and employee's wife no one will remember my self serving statements. "Hopefully" the brain damaged voters will suffer memory loss by 2012. "Hopefully' no one will pay any attention to that man behind the curtain, the Great and Powerful Oz has spoken.
Flush twice, it's a long way to DC.
I consider myself a liberal and am a registered Democrat. I don't happen to care whether Ensign had an affair. But I also think that if you tell other people how to live their lives--i.e., attack others who have extramarital affairs, vote to define marriage and openly defend the sanctity of the institution, etc.--you are open to any amount of criticism, opprobrium, and finger-pointing in which anyone wants to indulge. Especially when it is not the first time.
But some seem to lose sight of the bigger question: did Ensign commit a crime, or an ethical violation, in terms of employing his girlfriend, her husband, and their son, and in his treatment of them? If so, he should be kicked out of the Senate. If not, he should be relegated to the irrelevance he has earned and deserves, and that he was enjoying before his colleagues decided that someone with great hair and nothing underneath it would be a good party spokesman.
This is NOT just another everyday, garden-variety, adulterous affair people - Ensign committed the crime of sexual harrassment as an employer with one of his employees (the other woman's husband also worked for Ensign) - this issue is about women being free from being preyed upon in the workplace by predatory employers!
Of course, Ensign (and his staff and supporters) want to spin it like it's just another "affair" and much ado about nothing - so the story dies and people forget what happened - and Ensign gets away with his crime and gets re-elected?
That's how people in power commit crimes and get away with and stay in power!
This issue is about women being treated with full equal opportunity, due dignity and respect and upholding the laws that protect all people!
I personally do not care what consenting adults do after working hours in the privacy of their lives - just as long as no laws are being broken, no one ends up beaten, bruised or bleeding - consenting adults may do as they please...but, there are laws to protect employees from employers who are predators!
Ensign, by his own admission that he was the superior/employer and the other woman was the subordinate/employee, committed the crime of SEXUAL HARRASSMENT - that's an established and undisputed fact!
Ensign, again by his own admission, states that the "affair" went on for several months, even after Ensign confessed to his wife, Ensign continued to pursue the other woman...
...and even after the other woman (and her husband who was also employed by Ensign) left the employ of Ensign, the time-line clearly indicates that Ensign continued to pursue the other woman - these FACTS raise the specific question:
"Is U. S. Senator, John Ensign, (Republican-NV) who's obviously GUILTY of SEXUAL HARRASSMENT, also GUILTY of STALKING and being A SEXUAL PREDATOR!"
Rebel, I'm well aware he's a hypocrite, and have called him one incessantly since he announced his transgression.
That personal indiscretion does not rise to a level of impeachment. If, for example, there is something fishy with how his mistress, her husband, or their son was paid, then there might be cause for impeachment. What we know now simply isn't enough to sustain the charge. Hypocrisy isn't grounds for impeachment.
As Mr. Green has also pointed out: if a crime or ethical violation has been committed, then you can mount a crusade with my full support.
"ksand99" we agree that clearly Ensign is a hypocrite and there should be a full investigation to get to the unanswered questions - but, don't you see this as a clear case of SEXUAL HARRASSMENT too?
Ensign, again by his own admission, states that the "affair" went on for several months, even after Ensign confessed to his wife, Ensign continued to pursue the other woman...
...and even after the other woman (and her husband who was also employed by Ensign) left the employ of Ensign, the time-line clearly indicates that Ensign continued to pursue the other woman - these FACTS raise the specific question:
"Is U. S. Senator, John Ensign, (Republican-NV) who's obviously GUILTY of SEXUAL HARRASSMENT, also GUILTY of STALKING and being A SEXUAL PREDATOR!"
Since so many Senators and Representatives preach non stop on the sanctity of marriage how about they do something about it??? Let's propose to make adultery an illegal crime. Make it a felony punishable with prison time. Maybe that will keep those who should'nt be married from getting married and it might just keep some people honest. But i am positive that such a law would never be put on the books in our society today. But if these family value preachers really believe in upholdng the sanctity of marriage then they should fight for such a thing. I mean they fight so hard against gay's being able to get married saying "we must uphold the sanctity of marriage" but they themselves break the bond of marriage probably more so then a "gay" couple would. The sad part is that if you put that up to the voters they would probably be more likely to legalize cocaine then to criminalize adultery. We live in a society today where cheating is the norm. Just look at steroids in sports(not just baseball, more high school students use steroids then smoke pot), how about George W Bush and the WMD's in Iraq(that should be criminal), or your kids taking tests in school(they almost all cheat sometime or another), or your local priest(keep your kids away). It's just that people dont care and they turn a blind eye to cheating because that has become the American way, if you dont cheat you dont get ahead. Those who remain moral good people have a very hard time being successful in life because the liars and the cheaters really dont want moral people around to call them out on their hypocrisy and the people who run this country are the liars and cheaters. sorry folks for my ramble... it's just true
"Is U. S. Senator, John Ensign, (Republican-NV) who's obviously GUILTY of SEXUAL HARRASSMENT, also GUILTY of STALKING and being A SEXUAL PREDATOR!"
I think Ensign is a fabulous Senator. He may be a bad husband, but I'm not married to him. It's not illegal to sleep with a subordinate either as some people are claiming. Having a relationship with a subordinate does not automatically rise to the level of sexual harrassment. We had a President who cheated with a very young intern no less, and didn't have to resign. Why do I have to lose a good Senator?
""ksand99" we agree that clearly Ensign is a hypocrite and there should be a full investigation to get to the unanswered questions - but, don't you see this as a clear case of SEXUAL HARRASSMENT [sic] too?"
No, without someone actually accusing Ensign of harassment, it is definitely NOT a "clear case" of sexual harassment. Should we look into the details of this? Of course. Should we be throwing out accusations disguised as questions? No.
He is a good senator. Good at lying and cheating on his wife. We must remember my love muscle.
Ensign gave a solemn marriage oath to a woman he supposedly loved. Then, when an inconvenient truth struck, he violated that oath.
At his swearing in as a senator, Ensign also took a solemn oath of office to uphold the Constitution. Am I to believe that he will treat his oath of office with more respect than his marriage oath. I think not.
The quality of the human character is best measured during times of stress. The dishonorable Senator Ensign's selfish and morally ambiguous behavior shouts loudly of his lack of character.
His claim that his infidelity happened at a time of marital stress is lame. His self-absorbed behavior and callous disregard for the consequencces of his actions is not the type of behavior worthy of elected office.
Heh Johnny, we all have difficulties in our lives, but most of us deal with them without the use of drugs or infidelity. Your behavior is evidence that you are not of a sound mental and moral character to deal with the stresses of higher elected office.
Nevadans do you really want to be represented by such a self-aggrandizing, weak-willed dandy such as this dishonorable senator?
Also, if it were sexual harrassment I doubt it would have continued beyond their dismissal. I'm quite sure this was a mutual affair between two married people. I still maintain that if that old pervert Bill Clinton could play with a young, impressionable intern at the White House, Ensign's affair with a woman in the s1ame age bracket as he is shouldn't really cause any moral dilemmas for liberals.
At least Ensign was't preying on young, impressionable girls.
henderson, have you heard this saying before?
"Do as I say not as I do"
You can't prosecute someone for something whilst doing that same thing yourself.
Do you comprehend this?
Your husband must love being with such a dimwit.
to henderson - wow you really DO NOT get it do you??? the point of the matter is that this guy has stood up time and again calling for every democratic senator thats ever cheated to resign or to get impeached. his hypocrisy is what is most disgusting. He constantly talks about the sanctity of marriage and how marriage is between a man and a women but yet at the same time he can cheat on his wife and completly destroy the sanctity of marriage. this guy doesnt deserve to be a senator, that position is a privilege that he doesnt deserve. you "henderson" must be one of those loyal republicans that will back up your party no matter what. guess what, just because your a republican doesnt mean you have to agree with every little opinion that comes from the talking heads of the party. just say for example you were in Germany in the 1930's and you were part of the Nazi party, would you have been loyal to them just because they were your party or would you at some point been able to grow some cajones and stand up against something that is obviously wrong???
our political system here is in the crapper right now and more corrupt then ever(due to corporate influence) and we need more parties then just the 2. there are thousands and thousands of different issues and you should be able to make your own conclusion on any issue and not just take sides with what one of the 2 parties tells you to. take some kind of philosophy class and learn to be a free thinker and take an issue and draw your own conclusion. IMPEACH ENSIGN!!! IMPEACH ENSIGN!!! IMPEACH ENSIGN!!! IMPEACH ENSIGN!!! IMPEACH ENSIGN!!! IMPEACH ENSIGN!!! IMPEACH ENSIGN!!! IMPEACH ENSIGN!!! IMPEACH ENSIGN!!! IMPEACH ENSIGN!!! IMPEACH ENSIGN!!! IMPEACH ENSIGN!!! IMPEACH ENSIGN!!! IMPEACH ENSIGN!!!
Nobody has been prosecuted. The President wasn't prosecuted for molesting an intern.
If I had to put up with Bill Clinton as President even after he molested intern, I'll be damned if I'm willing to lose a perfectly fine Senator for cheating on his wife.
This isn't a democrat or republican problem!
This is about our leaders telling We The People how to behave and believe they are above what they preach.
The typical American is too stupid to see the fundamental corruption because they're too worried about which side the guy is on. The problem isn't who's on what team. The problem is that the game is rigged to obfuscate the problem.
These are different faces on the same coin.
Do you know why Rome collapsed?
You're an idiot! Nobody will ever be impeached for an extramarital affair. You can keep saying it, it won't change anything.
This is NOT just another everyday, garden-variety, adulterous affair people - Ensign committed the crime of sexual harrassment as an employer with one of his employees (the other woman's husband also worked for Ensign) - this issue is about women being free from being preyed upon in the workplace by predatory employers!
Of course, Ensign (and his staff and supporters) want to spin it like it's just another "affair" and much ado about nothing - so the story dies and people forget what happened - and Ensign gets away with his crime and gets re-elected?
That's how people in power commit crimes and get away with and stay in power!
This issue is about women being treated with full equal opportunity, due dignity and respect and upholding the laws that protect all people!
I personally do not care what consenting adults do after working hours in the privacy of their lives - just as long as no laws are being broken, no one ends up beaten, bruised or bleeding - consenting adults may do as they please...but, there are laws to protect employees from employers who are predators!
Ensign, by his own admission that he was the superior/employer and the other woman was the subordinate/employee, committed the crime of SEXUAL HARRASSMENT - that's an established and undisputed fact!
Ensign, again by his own admission, states that the "affair" went on for several months, even after Ensign confessed to his wife, Ensign continued to pursue the other woman...
...and even after the other woman (and her husband who was also employed by Ensign) left the employ of Ensign, the time-line clearly indicates that Ensign continued to pursue the other woman - these FACTS raise the specific question:
"Is U. S. Senator, John Ensign, (Republican-NV) who's obviously GUILTY of SEXUAL HARRASSMENT, also GUILTY of STALKING and being A SEXUAL PREDATOR!"
Hey, "Henderson" thanks for emphasizing the point of my question when you said: "...if it was sexual harrassment, I doubt it would have conitnued beyond their dismissal." That is the point in time when I'm asking is Ensign became a STALKER and SEXUAL PREDATOR?
Put yourself in Doug Hampton's shoes "Henderson" and answer this: At what point are you going to say something, anything, and call it like it is - and at what point are you going to find an attorney to help you get a cease and dissist order, a Domestic Restraining Order, and demand restitution?
There are few issues that bring such a interlocking swath of Americans, Nevadans, together with a disillusioned convergent view as this of Sen. Ensane' affair, and its unethical implication of misappropriation of funds, nefarious back street rendezvous, arrangements for appeasement that grossly conceal self serving indulgence. I hope for the best outcome of this matter, not for anyone individual involved, but for the children of Nevada and their sincere aspirations of a better tomorrow, which rest in the hands of this elected official, who now may lose relevance and commitment to duty.
We can all agree that marriage may possibly never have more joy than pain. To those who have been blessed with everlasting blissful solidarity I congratulate them with admiration, and sunshine. Marriage is spiritual engagements of promises, to be upheld in the most trying of circumstances because of the trust bestowed upon one another by each devote, and it is an affront to the institution of marriage, not bystanders, when any partner strays. The solemn threshold at which someone may stray is not easy to understand, nor are the events which may lead someone to stray, but at the end of the day, the betrayal only belongs to the partners not anyone else.
Forgiveness bestowed upon a wandering mate can be viewed, by outsiders, as weak or foolish. I say it is not your business; they are matters of the heart which transcend rational thinking. It is utopian to hold unrealistic expectations of others in this life, the displaced anger we feel is our own fault for not understanding human nature, and we all fall short.
Now is not the time to ridicule, rather, it is the time to support an arbitrary investigation for the purpose of healing. The sooner this matter is over, the sooner the State' business can go on to help improve trade and industry. Impeachment would only deprive the State of what little opportunity and time may be left to gather Federal program grants. The true test of strength will be to articulate our votes into change for a better tomorrow.
Viva Las Vegas!
That blowhard would have a lot worse problems than losing his job if he was stalking my wife!
Incognito, I would love to address some stuff in your post but I honestly think you're a little psychotic and I might be wasting my time. What if it turns out that this woman was just as willing of an adulter as Ensign? Which I think is probably true or she would not continue sleeping with him after they quit working for Ensign. Do you know there is no law against Employer/Employee relationships? It happens all the time. Even Bill Clinton had sex with an intern and was he brought up on Sexual Harrassment charges? Why doesn't Doug Hampton go after his wife for restitution? She was a willing participant. I don't know how to make you see that no judge can sign a cease and desist order to make 2 people stop f*ck*ng each other. I'm sorry, I can't say it any plainer than that. There is no need for a protective order when the wife was a perfectly willing cheater! Furthermore, I think Doug Hampton is a skeevy pig with no pride, who is trying to trying to make money off of his cheating wife's ex-lover! That guy needs to go get some pride somewhere and quit trying to be such a loser. If he wants to make money off of his wife's affair he'll need to divorce her and ask for it in the settlement. Life does not work like these people think it does. I honestly wonder if this guy was okay with the affair because he was planning to make money off of it. Also, Incognito, do you know that blackmail and extortion are illegal, cheating on your spouse isn't.
JLA: Do you have a single shred of proof that Ensign's actions were unwelcome?
You are aware that's what sexual harassment is, right? It's UNWELCOME sexual advances. This woman had an affair that went on for 9 months.
From all reports, even from the adulterers themselves, this was a consensual affair.
Cut the hysteria and answer a question: where's the police report?
"ksand99" many reporters are doing all they can to research this story - and we simply do not yet know the answers to so many obvious questions that are pending a response - only then, will we have more information we can attempt to corroberate into facts.
UPDATE: Were Ensign's action welcome? We don't know and won't know until we hear from Hampton. But, we do know, by the very nature of the superior/employer to subordinate/employee relationship that a unique position of power and advantage exists with the employer - which is the initial point of fact concerned!
The fact that this went on so long is also very disturbing indeed! If it was a mutually desired affair, then, the story ends there! But, we may find out that Ensign was, actually, stalking this woman too? Which, then, brings up even more serious questions of possible sexual predation?
NOTE: "ksand99" You are wrong in stating "From all reports, even from the adulterers themselves, this was a consensual affair." Ensign has NOT said that, nor has Hampton! Don't make assumptions of fact based on the lack of a statement - that's a typical error in logic!
No one has found any police reports, nor are any law enforcement agencies investigating any type of charges - which supports the statements that the parties were trying to resolve the situation privately. But, then, Ensign went public when he learned the Hamptons had contacted FOX News -which indicates that something serious changed - what, we do not yet know?
Then, there are all the pertinent questions about how Ensign paid the Hamptons? Where did the money originate from? What other financial benefits did the Hamptons gain from this "affair" with Ensign?
Inside Edition is doing a story on Channel 19 at 6:30pm and airing it again at 8:00pm - turns out Darlene Ensign and Cindy Hampton were High School friends and we now have pictures of both couples together at a High School Reunion!
"But some seem to lose sight of the bigger question: did Ensign commit a crime, or an ethical violation, in terms of employing his girlfriend, her husband, and their son, and in his treatment of them? If so, he should be kicked out of the Senate. "
Clinton promoted his cigar girlfriend from intern to white house staffer and then tried to get her a job at Revlon.
On top of that, he perjured himself in a Federal court of law.
You did not care then so why the big deal now?
Hey, "SgtRock" you continue to make prejudiced, assumptive, stupid statements when you have no idea how other people felt about past poltiicans violations of trust - what is wrong with your mind dude?
Are you some radical, right-wing, neo-con, nut-case obsessed with people from the past?
Quit trying to make childish arguments - nobody is buying it and you're just re-inforcing all of the negative stereotypes about the 5% at the bottom of the scale who will stand by their man until the day they die!
If you are a vet - lay down the remote control, get your butt out of your lazyboy, and get over to Mental Health at the North Clinic SOON! Life is all about the right medications, in the right dosage and frequency, in combination with a good diet and exercise program - that's the road to happiness!
Oh, and stay away from the women in my life - in fact, just stay away PERIOD! JEEEEEESHE!
JLA, you wrote:
"Ensign committed the crime of sexual harrassment as an employer with one of his employees... "
Then you write:
"...we simply do not yet know the answers to so many obvious questions that are pending a response - only then, will we have more information we can attempt to corroberate into facts."
JLA, simply, you are the one making accusations without merit. You declared Ensign harassed his employee with ZERO proof. That no only brings into question your basic intelligence, but your credibility as well. I have a low enough opinion of Ensign as it is, but you've put the cart about a football-field ahead of the horse here.
"Don't make assumptions of fact based on the lack of a statement - that's a typical error in logic!"
Yet you're completely comfortable declaring Ensign guilty of sexual harassment? Your statements are irrational.
No one has claimed harassment. You have no basis for the allegation. The woman's husband wrote to an anchor at Fox News, for god's sake. Don't you think he wouldn't mentioned such a bombshell as "sexual harassment?"
If they were truly trying to extort Ensign, why wouldn't they have claimed harassment?
Your assumptions are proven irrational. Wait to find out what really happened, then begin your crusade. As it is, you're a crusader with a paper sword.
Sexual harassment is not a crime. In fact he cant be sued for because he is a Senator. Anyone else would be fired or demoted. He cant be demoted, but he could be fired I suppose. I doubt if he will even run again. My guess he will go back to living the life of luxury he is accustomed to with his rich family or maybe even back to being a Vet. His family is the definition of filthy rich, so whatever happens hard to have any symphony for this guy.
Frankly a little leg work on this would of exposed this guy for the low life he is. For some reason these people are hands off here in Nevada. I doubt if he could of been elected in most other states. Seems most papers and media in this state had Obamasized him years ago, which is odd considering his behavior. He paid most of his employees minimum wage, screwed them on heath insurance. Managed casinos where the goal is to take peoples money
JLA, you have served our country well and have given much to that.
We all respect you for that.
If you want to promote whatever thoughts you have about Ensign then go right ahead. You deserve to express your free speech rights.
But to be truthful, you have been doing more harm then help for the Democratic kool-aid lib crowd. You have fought hard and still fight hard for the Democratic kool-aid crowd and they at least once a few years ago kick you in the guts when all you were trying to do was try to get the party to stand up for the principles you thought it should.
There is plenty to attack Ensign for. Unless direct evidence is shown then pushing the sexual pedator, sexual harrassment and stalking charges plays into hands of pro-Ensign forces (like me).
On the other hand, probably like 50 people a day read these comments so it is no big deal what any of say here anyway.
If you want push those charges then go right ahead. It is no big deal.
"ksand99" I am absolutely not making accusations or convicting Ensign of anything without proof - I'm just asking a series of obvious questions, sometimes referred to as interrogatories, based on the few facts we do know - that's all!
I'm asking these questions to help establish the facts and get to the proof - that's how the process of investigative journalism, and the law, works!
You are totally wrong when you state "(I) am completely comfortable declaring Ensign guilty of sexual harrassment..." In fact, I find it heart-breaking and I'm personally stupified at Ensign's stupidity!
Has Ensign gone INSANE? That is a QUESTION!
I'm just an old soldier, disabled veteran, and now my sword is the pen - I'm a word warrior!
"cpo" those of us active in politics have been aware of Ensign's lack of character for some time - it's just taken a long time for some of the facts to come out!
"SgtRock" I appreciate your respectful words - but, here's the deal - I'm not into this for me!
And I'm not into supporting the Democratic "Kool-Aid" crowd - quite the contrary!
If you think I'm doing more damage than good, well you have a right to your opinion - but, I seriously doubt you really understand what it is I do, how I do it, or why it is so effective - especially over time!
And if you think I'm playing into the pro-Ensign forces (like you) - you might want to contact some of Porter's former staff and ask them about me - they wish they too, initially, thought they could counter my caustic criticisms - and they lost, big time, because they underestimated how many readers I have, and how relentless I am at winning!
I have lots of smart Republican friends that vote FOR our troops, and vote FOR our military families and vote FOR our disabled vets, because they know a lot of people like me are listening to every word they say, or write, and every vote they make - and they are smart enough to know who to friends with and who not to make enemies out of! There are literally hundreds of us in the retired professional military community, and on active duty, in the reserves and guard, and military family members and disabled veterans that can muster thousands of votes for or against anyone from either party - and we don't play politics like it's bean-bag!
We do the dirty work, by digging deep, getting the facts (sooner or later) and beating back the bullies by fighting fair with facts - and we win!
It's all about electing like-minded candidates and winning on our issues! Did you think I was here just talking out my tail and expressing some common, unsubstantiated, silly, uninformed opinion? Some of us have to do what we can to continue to defend from the enemies within - THAT is what we do!
De Oppresso Libre!
Come on--everybody sing
Sometimes its hard to be a woman
Giving all your love to just one man
You'll have bad times
And he'll have good times
Doing things that you don't understand
But if you love him you'll forgive him
Even though he's hard to understand
And if you love him
Oh be proud of him
'Cause after all he's just a man
Stand by your man
Give him two arms to cling to
And something warm to come to
When nights are cold and lonely
Stand by your man
And tell the world you love him
Keep giving all the love you can
Stand by your man
Stand by your man
And show the world you love him
Keep giving all the love you can
Stand by your man
Has Ensign gone INSANE?
I find it hard to believe there are any women in
Johnathan_Abinett's life.
Thanks for your concern "Henderson" - it is really tough being a single, heterosexual, bachelor in Las Vegas! But, I'm doing fine...in fact, I have a great deal of love in my life - but I am looking for a talented team of massage professionals who have reasonable rates?
Ensign is a man. This is what men do. I have no problem with the affair. I have a problem when you espouse family values to get elected and dont live up to your words in deeds. This goes for libs, dems, repubs,indies and any other political, religous group. Dont ask for forgiveness, everyone knows the flesh is week.
We disagree "LV4LIFE" Ensign is a male - but real men do NOT lie to their wives and kids!
Real men who are employers do NOT start innappropriate "affairs" with their employees!
Real men that run for elected office and get elected to be law makers do NOT become law breakers!
Real men do NOT lie, cheat or steal, nor do they tolerate anyone that does!
I think the warm reception was a nice way of saying, "glad it was you and not me".
It seems that nobody is commenting on the essence of this particular article: namely the senate voted to not fund a new tourism office with visa application surcharge.
I am glad this bill is defeated, for now. For one thing, visa application fee is already high enough at $130, having been raised from $100 not long ago.
Furthermore, what the U.S need to bringing in more foreign visitors is not some marketing campaign or tourism bureau staffed with more do-nothing government employees.
Instead, if would be a good start to start reducing the ridiculous wait time at U.S custom and immigration entry ports.
The U.S needs to do what it takes to ensure border security. Still the lines are so long that many visitors are dissuaded from taking vacations in the U.S simply by the prospect of having to stand in line for 2 hours following a long trans-continental flight.
Before throwing money to create a new tourism bureau, the U.S government would be wise to start hiring and staffing more immigration officers at her entry ports to smooth out the visitor admission process without diluting its rigor.