Ensign Wants To Campaign
By Reid Wilson
Embattled Sen. John Ensign (R-NV) told a Las Vegas radio host he's a hot commodity on the campaign trail, and that his resignation would be a bad thing for GOPers.
Ensign, who confessed 6 months ago he had a lengthy affair with a close family friend, said in his first interview since the admission he is staying involved because of his principles, and he thinks he can help.
"A lot of people running for office next year want me involved in their ampaigns. It isn't about me. It's about supporting the principles of freedom, conservatism, and the Constitution," Ensign said on KXNT Radio 11/30.
The former NRSC chair, who campaigned for every major GOP Sen candidate last cycle, is not likely to campaign for anyone this time around. Two of Sen. Harry Reid's opponents -- ex-state party chair Sue Lowden and businessman Danny Tarkanian -- have said they would campaign with Ensign, and the DSCC has issued press releases asking potentially vulnerable incumbents if they will campaign with Ensign.
In truth, GOP strategists laugh at the prospect of Ensign campaigning with anyone facing voters next year. The party does not expect him to be involved at all.
The radio show's host, Alan Stock, had called on Ensign to resign, and he reiterated that call Monday. But Ensign said he has a term to finish out, and that any resignation would only help Dems.
"I was elected to a six year term, and I fully intend on serving that out. I have a voting record that I think is consistent with the way I campaigned, based on fiscal responsibility and conservative values," Ensign said. "If I resign we will have a second Senate race. The people who want to defeat Harry Reid should think about that. Another race would take attention and resources away from the Reid race. You would have a splitting of resources, and I think that hurts the conservative cause."
"We only have 40 US senators. The Democrats have 60. Another senate race here would take resources from defeating Democrats in states across the country. We need to increase, not decrease our numbers," he added.
More from Ensign's interview, thanks to NV political guru Jon Ralston, here.
The partial transcript of Ensign's remarks on Jon Ralston's blog were provided by the Nevada News Bureau (to whom he gave credit).
Subsequent to Ensign's interview, we surveyed a number of NV GOP leaders and candidates about their interest in having Ensign "help" them in the 2010 elections. Here is our report:
http://www.nevadanewsbureau.com/2009/12/01/many-nevada-gop-candidates-not-actively-seeking-campaign-help-from-ensign/
As spokesworm for our organization, I want to invite Nevada Senator John Ensign to campaign for our entire slate of candidates!!
Signed,
Puny Poobah of the Humble Order of "Cuckolds for Jesus"