Scandal ridden John Ensign announced today that he is not seeking re-election.
Republican Sen. John Ensign of Nevada, damaged politically and facing a Senate ethics investigation over an extramarital affair, said Monday he won’t seek re-election next year.
Ensign, who is under investigation by the Senate Ethics Committee, said he decided last week against seeking a third term because he was worried about the effect of a campaign on his family.
“I’m putting them first, instead of my career,” Ensign said.
The Las Vegas Sun has a different take on the announcement:
Ensign also dodged an FBI investigation into his actions, but he's still before the Senate Ethics Committee. Ensign said that investigation had "zero" to do with his decision.
Who's going to jump in?
Republican Stable:
Dean Heller (R-CD2) current congressman from rural Nevada will almost certainly jump into the race. This will leave open CD2 and the about-to-be-created-CD4 wide open for a challenge from well positioned Dems.
No idea if Joe Heck (R-CD3) in Las Vegas will drop his congressional seat, recently won from Democrat Dina Titus.
Brian Sandoval (R-Gov), will he drop out after only two years? My guess is absolutely. His advisors are former Ensign advisors, he was elected over a weak Rory Reid to handle redistricting for the Republicans. That job will be finished by the time campaign season starts, My guess is that he will run in the primary, and trounce Heller who is almost unknown in Las Vegas.
Democratic Field:
Ross Miller, Secretary of State, just won his second term, father was a popular governor and Ross has come into the field in his own right. He can beat Sandoval.
Rory Reid, probably a non starter (Father and Son in the Senate at the same time!).
Catherine Cortez-Masto, Currently state AG, popular and good at her job, good connections in Las Vegas, where most of the state's population resides.
Dina Titus, former Rep (CD-3) who lost to Joe Heck last cycle. I figure her ego won't stand still & she will at least get into the primary. However, there is no love lost between Dina's and Harry's camp. If she wins the primary, she will only get lip service and little else in the general from Reid's people.
In all probability, the Elder Reid will choose who gets to go for the seat, the winner will get his power and backing in the primary and general.
That's my short view on it...