Family Values

Senator John Ensign (R-NV), an ardent defender of the sanctity of marriage against the radical gay onslaught who recently admitted an extramarital affair with a campaign staffer, is now confirming through his attorney that his parents "paid [his former staffer, her husband, and their two children a total of] $96,000 after the 51-year-old senator told his Mom and Dad about the affair."

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

Zach quips: "Here at TPM, we frequently ask our parents to pay off the families of the people we sleep with, so this seems pretty standard." Oh, totally.