Of course Ensigns real statement is where he make the claim that what he did was not as bad as Bill Clinton because he didn't lie about it. I guess that means his Wife knew about his affair from the start correct ?
"I haven't done anything legally wrong," the Nevada Republican said....
Ensign made the remarks before being introduced to a standing ovation from about 100 people at a Chamber of Commerce luncheon in rural Fernley, about 40 miles east of Reno.
From the AP, google it if you want more or read Politicos blurb on the article. Ensign: Affair didn't break the law
That Ensign had a affair is not illegal but there are many questions about the aftermath, bribes/pay-offs, a Father dropping out of a multi-million dollar Casino deal, etc, etc.
If all the facts ever come out ( not likely ) I bet we would find many more broken laws, and lies than anyone ever found out about Pres. Clinton. Senator Ensign has surrounded himself with too many overly pious fanatics/roommates from C Street. The L.A.Times did a piece on Ensign and his problems back on Aug.4th. that simplifys the story for anyone who needs to catch up.
A primer on the saga of Sen. John Ensign's extramarital affair
The political trajectory of Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) neatly splits into two eras.
BC: Before Cynthia.
AD: After Doug.
In the BC era, Ensign mostly managed to avoid the media glare, even during questionable episodes such as his still-unexplained, rumor-generating, two-week absence in 2002. Then the married social conservative – a member of the Promise Keepers ministry who had called on President Clinton to resign – had an affair with aide Cynthia Hampton, who was married to Ensign’s best friend and co-chief of staff, Doug Hampton. (all highlights by me)
During the current AD: After Doug period TPMMuckraker has the Fathers story and begins to explain how much this may end up costing Ensigns family. First we have the $96,000 that Dad gave as "gifts" as explained by Ensigns Lawyers,
In April 2008, Senator John Ensign's parents each made gifts to Doug Hampton, Cindy Hampton, and two of their children in the form of a check totaling $96,000. Each gift was limited to $12,000. The payments were made as gifts, accepted as gifts and complied with tax rules governing gifts.
After the Senator told his parents about the affair, his parents decided to make the gifts out of concern for the well-being of long-time family friends during a difficult time. The gifts are consistent with a pattern of generosity by the Ensign family to the Hamptons and others.
None of the gifts came from campaign or official funds nor were they related to any campaign or official duties. Senator Ensign has complied with all applicable laws and Senate ethics rules.
Paul Coggins
Fish & Richardson P.C.
Counsel for Senator John Ensign
Hmm, Ensigns Lawyers wouldn't stretch that facts would they ? Anyone know if the Senate Ethics Comm. has met on this issue yet ?? For more on Dads backing out on a casino deal click on this,Sen. Ensign's Dad Withdraws Kansas Casino Bid
I have one last thing to mention about Sen. Ensign. His Affair appears to have made it very hard on him to be to vocal about HCR. A local Reno newspaper after spending a page and a half criticizing Harry Reid finally uses a few sentences explaining why Ensign isn't having any of his own Townhall Meetings of Teabagging events.
Similarly, Ensign's spokeswoman Rebecca Fisher said he plans to "travel the state meeting with constituents to discuss health care and other local issues."
She could not provide a schedule of appearances, saying it's still being planned.
Ensign held a tele-town hall on health care the same evening as President Barack Obama's prime-time news conference on the topic last month. A request by a reporter to listen in was denied, as was a request for a recording of the event. Nevadans not getting health care town halls
Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Ensign gave a half hour speech and answered a few questions but typical of the AP they forgot to add any of those remarks, or questions and answers other than his remarks on the How he enjoyed boffing his bestfriends Wife and why he could get away without resigning even tho Ensign was one of those that demanded Pres. Clinton resign over his tryst. Not one word on Health Care Reform, amazing...