John Ensign affair gets even sleazier

July 9, 6:35 PMProgressive Politics ExaminerKaren Harper

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Senator John Ensign (R), Nevada, first announced he had had an affair with a campaign staffer.  He reported to the Associated Press that he was being "extorted" for money. 

The Hamptons denied extortion and since then, the whole sordid affair has turned into a 'he said, she said' story.  

Yesterday, a hand written letter by the senator to Cynthia Hampton was given to various media outlets by Cynthia's husband, Doug, former office administrative assistant to Ensign.  

Rumor had it that Senator Tom Coburn (R), Oklahoma, Christian fellowship housemate to Ensign had urged Ensign to write the letter.  Doug Hampton claims that Ensign continued to pursue his wife after the letter was sent to her.

Senator Coburn's office issued this statement yesterday: 

Dr. Coburn did everything he could to encourage Senator Ensign to end his affair and to persuade Senator Ensign to repair the damage he had caused to his own marriage and the Hampton's marriage.  Had Senator Ensign followed Dr. Coburn's advice, this episode would have ended, and been made public, long ago.

Today, Senator Coburn has clammed up about the issue, citing privileged communications, claiming that since he is a doctor, conversations with Ensign are covered by physician patient privacy.  

Today it was revealed that Senator Ensign's parents have paid almost $100,000 to Ensign's ex-mistress, Cynthia Hampton.   Ensign's lawyers say the money was given in "gifts" to help the family through a difficult time after Ensign revealed to his parents he had had an affair with Hampton.

Here is what David Shuster and Tamron Hall reported earlier today.

None of the players in this story appear guileless.  We can only wait to see just how sleazy this story will get.  Doug Hampton spoke out for the first time today.  To see more about his story, see the Las Vegas Sun.