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StumbleLETTER FROM WASHINGTON:
How moral failure took down Sen. John Ensign
Sen. John Ensign announces he will not seek another term in 2012 during a news conference at the Lloyd George Federal Building in Las Vegas on Monday, March 7, 2011. Ensign’s wife, Darlene, stands by him at left.
Sunday, April 24, 2011 | 2 a.m.
Sun archives
- Until the end, Ensign a master of close-call politics (4-22-2011)
- Heller appointment to Senate changes campaign calculus (4-22-2011)
- Dean Heller could get boost, but can't shake bout with Shelley Berkley (4-22-2011)
- If Dean Heller chosen to replace John Ensign, fallout would be felt down the ticket (4-22-2011)
- Sandoval: Sen. John Ensign replacement will be named before May 3 (4-22-2011)
- Nevada’s special election laws not so clear, probably will result in lawsuit (4-22-2011)
- Sen. John Ensign to resign, Dean Heller likely replacement (4-21-2011)
Resignation Letter
Ensign Timeline
Sun Coverage
When John Ensign was making his first bid to be a senator, another public figure in Washington — the president at the time — was in political cross hairs for an affair he had with a staffer named Monica Lewinsky.
The end of Bill Clinton’s term as a public servant in Washington was consumed in a barrage of impeachment proceedings, accusations that he’d abused his office, and a chorus of calls for him to resign, in which the future Nevada Sen. Ensign joined, saying: “He has no credibility left.”
Clinton’s political legacy would be forever tarnished by his affair, but it wouldn’t be entirely defined by it; nor would it bring about the end of his career the way Ensign’s episode of infidelity did almost 13 years later.
There are those who talk of Ensign’s fall from political grace, and the resignation that takes effect a week from Tuesday, with a hint of pleasure at the irony of the situation, brought about by the hypocrisy of his actions. There are others who will defend him as the consummate objective moralist, who when confronted with his own faults, heeded his own advice.
Ensign may not belong at either end of that ethical spectrum. Because the pendulum of Ensign’s moral purism, it seems, swings both ways.
Ensign certainly fell on the sword of family values — morals he’d spent much of his career espousing as absolute, and portraying himself as embodying.
But Ensign also voluntarily departed from the dogmatism of the values-conservative position more often than most, especially in the wake of his scandal.
In the past few months, we’ve seen Ensign, who’s been no friend to the gay rights agenda, break from his party to support a repeal of the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy — a departure only eight Republican senators made.
We’ve also seen the anti-abortion Ensign scold members of his party for holding up budget negotiations over a disagreement on funding for Planned Parenthood, which the GOP objected to because it performs abortions.
To be sure, his softened, pragmatic approach to such social issues came late in the wake of the fallout from his own ethical scandal that inspired three investigations — the last of which, by the Senate Ethics Committee, is still technically ongoing.
His affair was just one in a stream of extramarital revelations that seemed to pour out of the C Street house a few years ago; that being where a band of politically conservative brothers lived and prayed together just off the Capitol campus. But even in a sea of salacious scandals involving such things as high-class prostitutes and junkets to South America, there was something extra uncomfortable about Ensign’s story, which at its core was a tale of the senator betraying his best friend.
It’s hard to think of someone who does that as having been anything but the most flawed type of moral crusader, who in the end, learned a bit of humility from his own mistakes. Or maybe it’s just that the senator was always more of a pragmatist than he let on.
Even as he resigned, Ensign wasn’t apologizing, or conceding that his credibility was to blame. He appeared to be simply taking stock of the Senate ethics investigation, and heeding a different bit of his own more recent advice to others. It was on the Senate floor this month where he urged the GOP not to hang the budget up on funding for Planned Parenthood (even though he would later vote to defund Planned Parenthood and against the budget deal, for other reasons).
“We have to look at what we can do, what is achievable,” he said then.
There, Ensign apparently felt, as a senator under scrutiny, he’d reached the end of his ability to achieve.
Discussion: 21 comments so far…
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Seems to me like you have no political credibility left, John Resign. So, resign and go home. Run for cover, home boy.
Regards
Chuck
Demirjian wrote, "There are others who will defend him as the consummate objective moralist..." really? Who? Why weren't they identified?
Also, Demirjian seems to be extremely confused. There is a vast difference between a "most flawed type of moral crusader" and long-time, only recently discovered, complete hypocrite.
With this type of analysis Demirjian should be re-assigned to a position where misleading the public is less damaging. Perhaps movie reviews. Because the extremely flawed analysis suggested by Demirjian should not be foisted upon unsuspecting readers.
John reminds me of a kid whose mom had just safety-pinned the towel around his little neck so Johnny could hiss air noises SSHHooo and think he's SOUperMan and leap tall buildings at a single bound while in his little heart he knew he was nothing but some little kid pretending to be something he could never be - an honest and helpful spokesman for the little people here in his home state.
Ensign is to Nevada as Larry 'Toilet Stall' Craig is to Idaho and David 'Diaper' Vitter is to Louisiana. Sadly, all three are Republican hypocrites.
How much is this special election going to cost Nevada . We can't afford a special election . Pick someone besides Heller . It may be the wisest most conservative decision that Brian Sandoval makes . If he picks Heller it proves he puts the interests of the republican party ahead of the financial health of Nevada .
What did Santa bring Senator Ensign Christmas of 07? Why Doug Hampton asking John please stop! That was the Christmas Eve when both couples were staying together at the Ensign home. Hell of a gift? Confronted by the husband of the woman you were bouncing. This was not how he planned to spend Christmas? Did Darlene know? Did Miss that's what he'd called Cindy during their more private moments tell her? Oh God what a mess!
So you're f--king the broad who's working for you or whatever. Now you want her to go away. Go away gently, no noise, don't tell the wife, and for god's sake don't tell her husband. His father would have known how to do it the right way the old fashioned the safe, proven time tested Las Vegas way, you give her or as your consigliore would advise you to avoid the tax consequences give her kids $95,000 , tell her to consider looking for another job while she and her husband remain on the payroll give her a dead fish wrapped in a newspaper remind her that Vegas can be a very dangerous place.
excerpted from "Sex and Politics, by Lee Geiser
a kindel or Nook e-book
If Ensign had simply been a Democrat he could have survived because sleazy is the one thing the Democrats do well, just ask Barney Frank. But it helps to have the so-called "mainstream" news media in your back pocket too. Hell, they even gave a job to Eliot Spitzer.
Many Americans think Las Vegas holds corrupting influences. But, LV doesn't hold a candle to Washington D.C..
Lets put this in proper perspective ----Ensign did the right thing, Clinton did not!!!!!!
"If Ensign had simply been a Democrat"
--------------------------------
*yawns* Bor-ing.....
Let's put this thing in proper perspective--We now have this side show behind us and can now move on with the business of the nation and the state.
We can look forward to full-time representation for a change, instead of the paying someone who was more concerned about saving himself and his political career than the well-being of those who he was supposed to serve.
I hope it brings to closure for his family as well. I don't know where his wife finds the courage to stand by him as she does in this oft-published photo.
bye bye johnny...
you fraud...
now get back on your parents basement floor...
assume the fetal position...
resume sucking your thumb...
and wait for karma to start kicking your @$$...
that's right skippy...
karma ain't thru with you yet skipster...
as long as the hamptons are in pain...
karma is gonna toy with your pathetic @$$...
The Dems make heroes out of their fallen angels, like Bill Clinton-the worse they do, the more they are loved.
one of the better days in las vegas history ia the
getting this vermin out of las vegas' other senate seat. now, he can be replaced with another senator who believes in the rights of people and the rights
of all Americans to share in the wealth and prosperity of the nation.
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Also add this low life lying scum bag - Newt Gingrich who did the same thing
:::: Ken Starr, another low life no good *** ** * ***** who cost this nation millions and millions with his endless hatred of Clinton
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Whats left after the 8 years of AWOLBush and his crack cocain smoking is now being destroyed by the Nazi War Party and Death Panel Party ( Republicans in case anyone does not get it )
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Still don't we all know by now the Democrats are the lesser of the two evils ... the Congress is sold out and so are the 50 Legislatures across the nation - I will never, ever vote for a Nazi War Party member again ... only Democrats, period
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Playboy Ensign has perfected the double standard and prosecuted it to perfection at this point .. the ultimate control freak and religious bigot and fool with no advanced thinking ability who is a family wrecker and phoney
:::::::::::::::::::
Ola. And now we see yet one more Nazi War Party man in Libya trying to get us into a third war ( we are currently losing two ) .... none other than Keating Five Guy McCain prancing about in his $500 ( he enjoys bragging about these from his trillionaire wife ) loafers acting the guru to the rescue there ... yes, to those who lined up and cheered when the Pam Am bomber got released and arrived home from prison in Scotland ... yes, that very group he now wants to defend ... this man is a migraine of the worst order, period who belongs in an insane asylum.
The loony-tunes from the "conservatives" JUST DON'T GET IT...
We could possibly care LESS who John BOINKS.
THIS IS NOT ABOUT THE SEX; can't you get that through your thick skulls?
His "Moral Failures" are but the tip of the iceberg:
ABUSE OF POWER.
CIRCUMVENTING FEDERAL LAWS AT BEST, BREAKING THEM AT WORST.
PAYOFFS. UNDER THE TABLE BRIBERY. STRETCHING IT ALL TO THE LEGAL LIMITS.
INFLUENCE PEDDLING.
CIRCUMVENTING THE STAFFER-TURNED-LOBBYIST LAWS.
These are the things that concern Nevadans.
If Ensign had merely had an affair, he'd be a LOCK for re-election.
"The Act" was outrageously poor judgement.
"The Aftermath" was an outrageously self-serving abuse of power, and ripped the mask off the "Family Values" guy for eternity.
Turns out he's one ugly dude, and an emotional child.
I will not comment here on Senator Ensign private problems, but we should not forget his courageous voting record. He bucked his own party, and voted TWICE against the shameful bailout of trillions of taxpayer dollars for the big banks and wall street, who in return have continued to foreclose on record numbers of homes, and tighten lending.
In my mind, these acts of elected officials are far more shameful and far more hurtful. How about recently extending Bush tax cuts to the wealthy for 2 more years, while they try now to trim the budget on the backs of the poor, seniors and disabled. This is real evil, and they are all still in office about to do more harm. Leave Senator Ensign alone and his family, as he goes back to private life. His voting record is honorable and nobody is mentioning that.
Mr. Morals shtupping a co-worker. Nothing makes my day like watching a hypocrite crash & burn. Hey John-in your next life-keep your fly zipped.
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Hey, candidateformayor
:::::::::::::::::::::::
If you look retrospectifully deep enough one can find something good to say about both Charles Manson and Ted Bundy
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I doubt it would mount to more than a hill of beans
:::::::::::::::::::::::::
This fool Playboy Ensign is a complete disaster for both our country and Nevada, period.
:::::::::::::::
Ola. Disgusted, to say the least.
This is not a moral failing, it is businesses as usual for Republicans, Liberloonitoonians whose philosophy is based on greed and hate and selfishness. Do they even try to hide it as they trek to the failed and boring Aryan Rand movie? "Adolf Shrugged"
Actually, Hitler's philosophy is superior to that of Aryan Rand's because at least it allows for magnanimity and largess for the "chosen race."
Ayn Rand philosophy says it is okay to starve your own mother to death on Mother's Day if it benefits your own selfish interests.
I'm glad to see that the movie going public and the important Hollywood film critics have called the movie poorly put-together garbage. I thought the Republicans and the Libernazis were for "excellence?" Their movie stinks on dry ice.
An important point needs to be made about Ensign's vote on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell": it wasn't courageous at all. He voted for the repeal when it needed only a simple majority. When the cloture vote came up--meaning to stop the debate--he did what Republicans have been doing on most Democratic acts: he voted against cloture. THAT was the key vote where Democrats needed Republican votes. He didn't provide it. But because so many know so little about Senate procedures, he came off as looking like he suddenly has gotten over his own bigotry and hubris.
Thanks to MichaelGreen for clarifying what many do not get - the actual deal.
And thanks to mred, of course, for his way with words, especially 'stinks on dry ice' LMAO
And thanks to gmag39 for his in-yer-effin'-face penchant for truth.
It's a beautiful eathter thunday on the ethernet in the land of the thcorching thun.
peathe and goodwill from the jackrabbitth and buthin bumblebeeth
And here's a little flash one of my girls sent me. It's kinda eathtery-
http://www.andiesisle.com/creation/magni...
Ensign did a terrible thing and let Nevada pay for it. He should at least pay our state back with him saying "Sorry to disrespecting the citizens of Nevada". Sorry, he preached self accountability but didn't have it himself. But you know he'll make a great Lobbyist in Washington D.C. in the next couple of years.
Ted Bundy, Charles Manson, John Ensign - birds of a feather, take what they want and screw the rest.
Sans conscience, sans responsibility, sans everything til the end.
While pretending to be a christian of some sort, Ensign lied to the people of Nevada, his wife and his God. He didn't just succome to his weakness, he revelled in it while trying to pass his "moral code" on the rest of us. It is a shame there is not a death penalty for politicians.
Hey Joe Lamy, Ted Bundy and Charles Manson are angels when you compare them to the Oval Office Pervert -- Bill Clinton.
http://whatreallyhappened.com/RANCHO/POL...
Neither democrat or republican but guys like Ensign deserve even more criticism because they are the first in line to get on their high horse and demand or expect moral straightforwardness.
Basically, John Ensign is a four-flushing hypocrite...But you knew that, didn't you...
Gas_passer
Bill Clinton is a friend of mine. When he called me on the phone back in the 80s as governor, his first question was about how to help kids in Arkansas get better schooling. Then he asked what I did in the classroom to be proud of.
I told him that the kids write every day and they make me proud because they are getting fluency when they see their own little words rubbing off the end of their pencils.
He laughed and told me he was gonna tell his wife because she was big on the computer, but he himself still used a pencil and a big old yellow legal pad to compose his thoughts and words.
I know he's not Jesus, gas man. He may have lied about stuff. He cigared. When Monica showed him her thong on her firm round white back side, I have a feeling that the guy may have become less than what some may consider presidential or holy, but one thing is for certain, gas man. Bill was a man, not a mouse. He helped our economy, and he helped our country. Ensign helped himself.
Our national presidential history book is jam-packed with stories about escapades of the white house guy; slick willy has a spot and so do JFK, FDR, Marilyn Monroe, and a few others.
I guess we're gonna let ole slick willy go.
A modicum of evidence -
A wadda cum on Monica's dress -
I guess we're gonna let ole slick willy go.
Senator Mediagenic Haircut could really talk the talk. It was walking the walk that gave him a HARD time. Good riddance Republicant hypocrite.
Nice how he got on his high horse, publicly condemning Bill Clinton for his extramarital affairs, calling for his impeachment, and yet here he is. I'm sure he'll wheel out all sorts of excuses for his behavior. I'm sure it's all justified.
using your pull in govt to get favors for those who provide sex services is very different than clinton getting his nob washed in the oval office. it is amazing people can't separate their politics from facts.
no wonder we're about to lose our turn on top to the chinese -- it's coming very soon people, because we are so embracing of ignorance, hate, fear and division in this country. the chinese are going to steamroll right over us.