Ensign Resigns From Leadership Position After Admitting Affair

An extra-marital affair involving a Washington politico isn't anything surprising these days. But when it involves the possible blackmail of a Promise Keeper senator who is no friend of the District, it's hard for us not to feel just the tiniest bit smug. Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) admitted yesterday in a hastily arranged press conference that he had cheated on his wife with a campaign staffer, jumping to admit to the infidelity over fears that the staffer's husband -- who worked as an aide to Ensign -- was seeking to blackmail him. In the wake of the news Ensign today resigned his position as Chairman of the Senate Republican Policy Committee.

Ensign became something of a foe of the District when he added an amendment busting the District's gun laws to legislation that would grant the District a voting seat in the House. The amendment was never removed in the Senate version and eventually caused the House version to be shelved last week by Congressional leaders.

Ensign has pledged to remain in the Senate, however, and given the fact that Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) is still around, we certainly don't expect his colleagues will chase him out.