Ensign: I did a bad, bad thing
posted at 8:16 pm on June 16, 2009 by Allahpundit
Mitigating factors: He was separated from his wife at the time, or so he says, and was reportedly being blackmailed over this, which prompted the disclosure. Exacerbating factors: His mistress was married — her husband’s the accused blackmailer — and Ensign’s been known to tsk-tsk loudly and publicly about his colleagues’ indiscretions. Quoth Andy Levy, “Preaching about the sanctity of marriage while cheating on your wife is the same as a Treasury Secretary not paying his taxes.”
Political insiders in the Senate and in Nevada told POLITICO that Ensign began an affair with a staffer several months after he separated from his wife. When Ensign reconciled with his wife, the sources said, he gave the aide a severance package and parted ways.
Sometime later, a Nevada source said, Ensign met with the husband of the woman involved and had what this source described as a positive encounter. Sources said that the man subsequently asked Ensign for a substantial sum of money – at which point Ensign decided to make the affair public. In his Las Vegas press conference, Ensign declined to give specifics about the woman involved but did say she and “her husband were close friends and both of them worked for me.”
His wife issued a statement too saying that the marriage is back on track. I don’t think this will hurt him much if he launches a presidential bid, but then, I don’t think his presidential bid would go anywhere regardless. Exit question: Why’d he announce this today? Is it because the blackmailer was threatening to disclose it tomorrow or is it because Ensign knew it’d be buried under headlines about Iran and health care?
Blowback
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If he tried to hide it, releasing it on Friday would’ve been more effective. As they say, people don’t read the Saturday paper.
amerpundit on June 16, 2009 at 8:19 PM
He is toast.
I hate it when republicans act like dems.
Kill him off now…politically speaking. Romney is a guy you can trust.
“We cannot spare this woman…she fights. The liberals FEAR her…you can smell the fear.”
The Final Cut
Copyright 2009
All Rights Reserved
Use of the above quote without the express written consent of The Final Cut is STRICTLY prohibited.
The Final Cut on June 16, 2009 at 8:19 PM
Another day, another pig.
bloggless on June 16, 2009 at 8:19 PM
Oooopsie!
SouthernGent on June 16, 2009 at 8:19 PM
man whore….
SHARPTOOTH on June 16, 2009 at 8:20 PM
Finalcut,
NEVER use Romney and trust in the same sentence. Dr flip flop has no future in the GOP
battleoflepanto1571 on June 16, 2009 at 8:21 PM
Meh. I don’t think there are many of them left I’d trust, if any.
TheUnrepentantGeek on June 16, 2009 at 8:21 PM
What is with these politicians and their seeming inability to resist their hormones? My land.
DrMagnolias on June 16, 2009 at 8:22 PM
As long as the GOP keeps electing “Oprah Class” candidates like this..we don’t have a chance. I had an encounter with a man like this guy many years ago..they are never really sorry. They are always sorry…that they got caught. No honor. I could never vote for this DB.
AUINSC on June 16, 2009 at 8:22 PM
Jerry Springer should just move to D.C.
Cindy Munford on June 16, 2009 at 8:22 PM
Wont hurt his presidential bid???!!?!?!?!
Yeah right. It means he has NO MORAL AUTHORITY over conservative domestic issues like gay marriage, etc.
He is toast. Republicans cant act like that. Except for McCain…but he was a POW…or so I heard…plus he had a Goddess for a VP Nominee…except when the Goddess met the evil witch Xenu Katie Couric.
“We cannot spare this woman…she fights. The liberals FEAR her…you can smell the fear.”
The Final Cut
Copyright 2009
All Rights Reserved
Use of the above quote without the express written consent of The Final Cut is STRICTLY prohibited
The Final Cut on June 16, 2009 at 8:23 PM
You don’t screw around with a married person and you don’t screw the help.
And who said this guy was a contender? Never heard of him!
Blake on June 16, 2009 at 8:23 PM
battleoflepanto1571 on June 16, 2009 at 8:21 PM
i’m guessing you don’t like mitt very much, huh
SHARPTOOTH on June 16, 2009 at 8:23 PM
My guess is he wanted to go on the offensive against the possibility the extortionist would let it out. Actually, a pretty good plan as he can control the initial message.
Mixed on this one……
If he was separated and flinging with a single woman, I wouldn’t see it as a big problem.
However, any way you cut it, it’s adultery as the other woman was married.
BacaDog on June 16, 2009 at 8:23 PM
As they say on the interwebs, +1000.
DrMagnolias on June 16, 2009 at 8:23 PM
Thanks
Dirty-d*ck
Was it worth it?
If she didn’t let you eat a bacon bra off her breasts, then it wasn’t.
blatantblue on June 16, 2009 at 8:24 PM
The problem with the media’s coverage these past few days is that this won’t get buried under headlines about Iran.
YYZ on June 16, 2009 at 8:24 PM
In Nevada, being separated still means one is married, right?
And why is it then whenever a Republican does something bad or joins the Obama administration I all of the sudden find out that they are a 2012 presidential candidate?
myrenovations on June 16, 2009 at 8:24 PM
probably both. going beyond calling the blackmailer’s bluff, as well as knowing it would be VERY buried.
I_C on June 16, 2009 at 8:25 PM
Who the hell cares? It’s amazing how the conservative movement has become a pathetic tent of busy-bodies. Whether Ensign cheated on his wife or not is irrelevant. It isn’t the voters’ business.
Typical conservative short-sighted approach. Do you honestly believe regular men don’t cheat on their wives/girlfriends this often? Adultery is a fairly widespread fact of life.
Lizza on June 16, 2009 at 8:25 PM
I’m not going to make a decision on how outraged I should be till I see a picture of her.
lowandslow on June 16, 2009 at 8:26 PM
I am a Conservative. He sinned. May he pay the price. May liberals pay the same… but I seriously doubt it.
MNDavenotPC on June 16, 2009 at 8:26 PM
Between Obama’s apologies, Carter’s apologies,Ensign’s apologies and all the apologies over an inapropriate e-mail we are one sorry ……fill in the blank.
fourdeucer on June 16, 2009 at 8:26 PM
Here is the DISTRACTION that Liberals were praying for,
to put Iran on the back burner,and the State Runned Media,
will be painting Republicans as Adulters 24/7!!
canopfor on June 16, 2009 at 8:27 PM
Meh. It happens, especially when the relationship is on the outs. You meet someone that provides what your current bf/gf/wife/husband isn’t, and voila.
changer1701 on June 16, 2009 at 8:27 PM
An excellent decision.
Cindy Munford on June 16, 2009 at 8:27 PM
If people aren’t trustworthy in their personal lives
They aren’t being faithful to their voters.
blatantblue on June 16, 2009 at 8:27 PM
Guess the party!
chansen9 on June 16, 2009 at 8:27 PM
You mean male politicians hire female staffers because they are attractive and the possibility of having sex with them? I am SHOCKED!
Speedwagon82 on June 16, 2009 at 8:27 PM
Lizza on June 16, 2009 at 8:25 PM
still upset over slick willy are ya, tsk tsk….
SHARPTOOTH on June 16, 2009 at 8:28 PM
Exactly right, Lizza. He is sorry HE GOT CAUGHT!! If not for the blackmail, we would still think he was a moral person.
BEGONE!!!
“We cannot spare this woman…she fights. The liberals FEAR her…you can smell the fear.”
The Final Cut
Copyright 2009
All Rights Reserved
Use of the above quote without the express written consent of The Final Cut is STRICTLY prohibited
The Final Cut on June 16, 2009 at 8:28 PM
I’ve never understood this idea that personal behavior shouldn’t be considered.
Of course it should. If you’re a lying f*ck at home, can’t you be a lying f*ck where you work?
I’m sick of lying f*cks.
blatantblue on June 16, 2009 at 8:28 PM
Kinda like the John Edwards scandal — you know, except that this one is being covered by the media and the philandering politician was separated from his wife at the time and he isn’t lying about it and he hasn’t sent his terminally ill wife out to call the other woman a whore and many on the left seem upset by this one. But other than that, it’s just like the John Edwards scandal.
Rational Thought on June 16, 2009 at 8:28 PM
What the…
ladyingray on June 16, 2009 at 8:28 PM
Bad day for Repubs.
Joe Caps on June 16, 2009 at 8:28 PM
Great another loser that provides ammo to the leftards!
Thanks John!
Jper on June 16, 2009 at 8:29 PM
Except where the one is an entirely private indiscretion.
Columbia grad? Really?
Stephen M on June 16, 2009 at 8:29 PM
Er … not even close. One act is illegal while the other is not. One position is controlling the levers of power while the other is espousing a ideological position.
I think Andy Levy has problems distinguishing between hypocrisy and illegality and between espousing ideology and exercising power.
Why would anyone quote this guy?
progressoverpeace on June 16, 2009 at 8:30 PM
The guy was separated for several months. I don’t know the stats, but I’m guessing most married couples don’t reconcile after several months of separation. That doesn’t mean that he’s off the hook for sleeping with a married woman, but I’ll cut him some slack for cheating on his wife.
Shivv on June 16, 2009 at 8:30 PM
Sad thing is, if a D had dome the same thing, it would be a badge of honor.
After all, a Democrat President engaged in an adulterous relationship with a female workplace subordinate (in the workplace, to boot!), and for doing so was hailed as a hero by the National Organization for Women and the media.
One of them even offered to take the place of the workplace subordinate.
Del Dolemonte on June 16, 2009 at 8:30 PM
Wait a minute, on the Face Palm thread you were whining because Spitzer is out as N.Y. governor but that Sen. Vitter is still in the Senate. You can’t quite make up your mind what Republicans are, but your are positive they suck.
Cindy Munford on June 16, 2009 at 8:30 PM
Why not go whole hog? Why not say nothing matters? I think honor and commitment matters in our elected reps. They should be examples of integrity in all matters, especially the ones that count the most…if not, then the Democrats are fine.
AUINSC on June 16, 2009 at 8:30 PM
If this were a democrat they would be saying “it’s a personal matter”. So what about this? He was separated from his wife at the time.
Barney Frank can have “my boy lollipop sex” with men and it’s no big deal.
Give it a rest people.
suzyk on June 16, 2009 at 8:30 PM
Please, please, please tell me he’s not against gay marriages because of the sanctity of it all? Please tell me….!!!
SouthernGent on June 16, 2009 at 8:31 PM
Yep.
myrenovations on June 16, 2009 at 8:32 PM
tWO POINTS, DOES ANYBODY CARE THAT
tarpon on June 16, 2009 at 8:32 PM
I don’t think it really matters. These people are all human, they screw up just like the rest of us.
Terrye on June 16, 2009 at 8:34 PM
Well that misfired, try aagain
Does anybody care that another politicians lies?
Does anybody smell the stench of the Chicago mob, it seems quite strong to me.
tarpon on June 16, 2009 at 8:34 PM
That’s sad.
AUINSC on June 16, 2009 at 8:34 PM
It is not just a personal matter when one has to announce it at a press conference. Then it becomes something that gets judged by the public.
If I never knew about the affair, he could just go about his political life. But now that I know, it would be a factor for me if he ran for higher office.
An affair may not be the lynch pin to my decision making, but it is going to be a factor.
myrenovations on June 16, 2009 at 8:35 PM
Perhaps in your circles it is. Some of us still have ideas of decency that apparently your sort finds outmoded. Good luck with that whole marriage thingy.
DrMagnolias on June 16, 2009 at 8:35 PM
AUINSC:
I have known people who did not cheat, but did like each other.
I don’t feel like I am perfect enough to judge this man. That does not mean I think it is a good idea to cheat on your spouse, but then again it is not really my business.
Terrye on June 16, 2009 at 8:36 PM
Beaglemom on June 16, 2009 at 8:36 PM
You all realize this means we`re all hypocrits, right?
ThePrez on June 16, 2009 at 8:36 PM
gosh. well at least he used protection!
youngO on June 16, 2009 at 8:37 PM
Dr.Magnolias:
Oh for heavens sakes. Are you perfect?
Terrye on June 16, 2009 at 8:37 PM
Of course not. And that means we toss all standards aside, apparently.
DrMagnolias on June 16, 2009 at 8:38 PM
Beaglemom:
I don’t think people are saying it is ok. But I was raised in a Christian home and although this sort of thing was not exactly encouraged, I do seem to remember something about judging not lest ye be judged.
Terrye on June 16, 2009 at 8:38 PM
Too many compromises on basic ethics these days…I feel that somebody who can’t stay with a fundamental vow, that they voluntarily made..under no duress, for personal pleasure is no different that a thief…because who can blam them for weakness…and, in fact, who could be held accountable for anything if we just agree that humans are weak, thus, not accountable for their actions?
AUINSC on June 16, 2009 at 8:39 PM
Ensign’s standards:
Bill Clinton : should resign
Larry Craig : should resign
David Vitter : should stay; hookers are OK.
John Ensign : should stay; my affair is OK.
Gays : destroying the sanctity of marriage.
sanjeevn on June 16, 2009 at 8:39 PM
blatantblue on June 16, 2009 at 8:28 PM
Ditto bb. A person’s character speaks volumes.
bazil9 on June 16, 2009 at 8:39 PM
DrMagnolias:
And who is saying we cast all standards aside? If this man was a banker or a businessman or your employer, would this be any of your business?
But because he is who he is people seem to think that not only is it their business, they have the right to judge him.
Terrye on June 16, 2009 at 8:40 PM
All over the map much?
Cindy Munford on June 16, 2009 at 8:40 PM
.
I can haz bacon bra?
ronsfi on June 16, 2009 at 8:41 PM
I have no problems with him having had an affair while separated from his wife. My issue is that he had an affair with a staffer, who remained on staff for the duration. That is wrong.
Also, that he had an affair with a married woman is a sign of a faulty moral compass. He should have found himself someone single, who didn’t work for him. That shouldn’t have been too tough … unless she is really smoking hot, in which case I’d forgive him.
progressoverpeace on June 16, 2009 at 8:41 PM
What is going on w/ all of our elected officials!? I mean, seriously. Foley, Spitzer, Vitter, Ensign, etc, etc, etc. Can we please just start electing politicians that can keep their junk in their pants? Is that too much to ask?
nickj116 on June 16, 2009 at 8:41 PM
No. Prostitution is illegal. Adultery isn’t.
Lizza on June 16, 2009 at 8:42 PM
Who’s Ensign?
Seriously…who the hell is this guy?
bluelightbrigade on June 16, 2009 at 8:42 PM
John Ensign: “yummy!”
http://missnevadaus.eshire.net/images/100_2204.jpg
nickj116 on June 16, 2009 at 8:43 PM
Stick a fork in him..he’s done…and don’t shed a tear, because it’s all his fault:
http://americanpowerblog.blogspot.com/2009/06/senator-john-ensign-admits-extramarital.html
AUINSC on June 16, 2009 at 8:43 PM
And that right there is a big part of my problem with this public announcement of Ensign’s affair.
He knew that if he was ever caught he would be raked over the coals along with the rest of the his party and the people who support his causes and he did it anyway.
What other priciples is he going to rationalize away depending on the situation?
myrenovations on June 16, 2009 at 8:43 PM
Why do women stay with men who cheat on them? I don’t believe I ever could…
CCRWM on June 16, 2009 at 8:43 PM
The real question,though,is
his taxes paid!!(Sarc).
canopfor on June 16, 2009 at 8:43 PM
Terrye, the whole “judge not” passage does not mean we are not allowed to discern–it means when we do, we need to be prepared to have our lives examined, as well. I want people to look at me and call me on behavior that is not okay–judge away. I do not get to behave with a lack of integrity and then ask people to trust me.
DrMagnolias on June 16, 2009 at 8:43 PM
AUINSC:
Oh come on. Who are to judge someone’s character?
If this man has not character, then neither do most of the people who voted for him because sooner or later most of them will commit a {gasp} sin.
I left my husband because our marriage failed. He was cold and distant and as far as I was concerned a different man than the one I married. Now that does not mean I am incapable of living up to a vow.
Terrye on June 16, 2009 at 8:43 PM
nickj116 on June 16, 2009 at 8:41 PM
Don’t forget Jonny Edwards….
bazil9 on June 16, 2009 at 8:43 PM
I just don’t get it
If you’re sick of your wife, GET A DIVORCE
People won’t care.
Then when you start laying pipe into another woman, people won’t care because you are divorced.
blatantblue on June 16, 2009 at 8:44 PM
Sounds like a Democrat standard…not a Republican standard. We expect more. But then again, we didn’t vote for Clinton or Obama, did we?
AUINSC on June 16, 2009 at 8:44 PM
Hence the “etc, etc, etc…”
nickj116 on June 16, 2009 at 8:44 PM
He needs to be a Democrat.
seven on June 16, 2009 at 8:44 PM
Dr.Magnolias:
Well, maybe not everyone is as perfect as you are.
Terrye on June 16, 2009 at 8:44 PM
I think any man in business would be foolish to fool around with his secretary. If it’s somebody else’s secretary, fine.
- Barry Goldwater
MB4 on June 16, 2009 at 8:44 PM
Because he’s awesome?
DaveS on June 16, 2009 at 8:45 PM
Good God! Are you freaking kidding me?
AUINSC on June 16, 2009 at 8:45 PM
I saw you linked me on your page
thanks — favor has been returned.
blatantblue on June 16, 2009 at 8:45 PM
balantblue:
Who says he is sick of his wife?
Terrye on June 16, 2009 at 8:45 PM
Well the last GOP candidate did it, so I don’t see why he can’t still run…
Seriously though, why is it so difficult for these people to have a little self-control. Truly pathetic.
Grayson on June 16, 2009 at 8:45 PM
That’s why it hard to be a troll…can’t keep straight the subject of their indignance…
ladyingray on June 16, 2009 at 8:45 PM
The occupations you listed do not write legislation telling other people what they can and cannot do.
myrenovations on June 16, 2009 at 8:45 PM
My pleasure. Thanks to you too.
nickj116 on June 16, 2009 at 8:46 PM
Agreed.
Though, I will say that the fact that he was separated makes a difference to me. I won’t say it excuses it, but generally, if you’re separated, you’re getting a divorce and both people know it.
Now, of course he was still sleeping with a married woman.
No, it really isn’t. And I’m sad for you that your life is such that you believe it is, whatever the reason. Being faithful isn’t hard.
Esthier on June 16, 2009 at 8:47 PM
Is he? I only saw him a few times on Red Eye and thought he was semi-funny. Then I saw him pop up on some Fox show during the day and thought he was a total fool.
progressoverpeace on June 16, 2009 at 8:47 PM
Yep, it’s way better than a married man having an affair with a married woman. Since the blackmail didn’t work out maybe the husband can sue on sexual harassment charges.
Cindy Munford on June 16, 2009 at 8:48 PM
I am certainly committed to integrity. If that bothers you, there isn’t much point in my responding. I must say, your churlishness is a bit much.
DrMagnolias on June 16, 2009 at 8:48 PM
Can you back that up with statistics?
Here in the US on planet Earth, statistics show that less than 25% of men and less than 20% of women have engaged in adulterous relationships. And adultery accounts for less than 25% of all divorce cases.
Del Dolemonte on June 16, 2009 at 8:48 PM
AUINSC:
Are you kidding me? Thomas Jefferson, one of the founders of the country would not live up to your stringent moral standards. Neither would Benjamin Franklin. Ronald Reagan was divorced and by all accounts he had a life before he married Nancy, as well as another wife.
Were they all lacking in character?
My point is that the man messed up. We all do. He has admitted what he did and his wife is willing to give him another chance. I think that is where it belongs, between him and his wife. No one here even really knows the man or is any position to judge his character.
Terrye on June 16, 2009 at 8:49 PM
Lizza…not one of the more subtle trolls huh?….
CCRWM on June 16, 2009 at 8:49 PM
Del Dolemonte:
I do not know if I can find the numbers, but I heard that it was more like 25% of women and 70% of men. I guess it depends on who admits to what.
Terrye on June 16, 2009 at 8:50 PM
CCRWM:
I don’t think Lizza is a troll.
Terrye on June 16, 2009 at 8:51 PM
Who CARES???
If this is an issue at all, it’s a STATE issue, not a National one, unless he’s running for National office. He was separated from his wife and had an affair with a married staffer, whose husband subsequently “blackmailed” him, so he came out first.
I actually almost admire the guy for braving the negative press he’s going to get and not giving in to the blackmail. He’s got more cajones than most of the politicians these days…and I am NOT excusing the infidelity, just saying it’s not my business, as he’s not my representative. And if he were a Dem (like Edwards) no one would be covering it.
That’s what bothers me most…you can be a Dem and involved with someone who commits a crime (Barney Frank), or in any number of, shall we say, indiscretions and it’s just shrugged off. But if you have an (R) after your name you’re arrested for “foot-tapping”, even if no crime took place.
ElvenPhoenix on June 16, 2009 at 8:51 PM
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