June 22, 2009
Posted: June 22nd, 2009 12:26 PM ET

From
 A new poll is out with favorable rating for Nevada Republican Sen. John Ensign.
A new poll is out with favorable rating for Nevada Republican Sen. John Ensign.

(CNN) - A new poll of Nevada voters suggests that Senator John Ensign's favorable rating among people in his home state is plunging since he admitted to an extramarital affair.

Thirty-nine percent of people questioned in a Las Vegas Review-Journal survey conducted by Mason Dixon Polling and Research Inc. have a positive view of Ensign. That's down 14 points from a month ago. Thirty-seven percent say they regard Ensign unfavorably, up 19 points from May.

But the poll suggests that 62 percent do not think Ensign should resign from the Senate over his admission of infidelity, with 29 percent saying he should step down.

The poll was conducted Thursday and Friday. On Tuesday Ensign announced the nine month long affair with a married campaign staffer. The senator says he and his wife have reconciled.

Ensign is not up for re-election until 2012.

"His numbers have obviously dropped. He's obviously suffered damage because of this," says Mason-Dixon Managing Partner Brad Coker says in the Las Vegas Review Journal. "But it could be a lot worse for Ensign. The really significant question is that only 29 percent think he should resign right away. He does have the ability to stay on and turn this around."

The survey indicates that only 17 percent of Republicans want Ensign to step down. That number jumps to 40 percent among Democrats. One in four men think Ensign should resign. That rises to one in three women.

The two-term senator was considered a rising star within the Republican party. Earlier this month he spoke to a conservative group in Iowa, sparking speculation that he was considering a stab at the 2012 GOP presidential nomination. A day after admitting to an extramarital affair, Ensign resigned his position as head of the Republican Policy Committee, the fourth-ranking elected leadership position among Senate Republicans.

The poll suggests that even after dropping 14 points, Ensign's favorable rating is slightly higher than that of Nevada's senior senator, Democrat Harry Reid. Thirty-four percent of those questioned in the survey had a favorable view of the Senate Majority Leader. Only one in ten had a positive view of the state's extremely unpopular governor, Republican Jim Gibbons.

The Mason-Dixon Polling and Research Inc. survey was conducted Thursday and Friday, with 625 Nevada voters questioned by telephone. The poll's sampling error is plus or minus four percentage points.

Filed under: John Ensign • Polls • Popular Posts


southerncousin   June 22nd, 2009 12:26 pm ET

Excuse me I must have stumbled in to the National Enquirer website. Intersting that this trivia has drawn more responses from the dope smokin' libs than the fact NKorea is getting ready to shoot nukes at Hawaii and the struggles of the Iranians for human rights. I guess the democrats are the National Enquirer groupie party.

jp   June 22nd, 2009 12:26 pm ET

I'm sorry, but you can't believe anything that comes from "Fixed" News. It might as well be 1939 Nazi Germany and it's propaganda machine at work!

PHILIP BIEN AIME   June 22nd, 2009 12:25 pm ET

the most conservative voice SENATOR in the REPUBICAN PARTY is the most LIBERAL in action

George   June 22nd, 2009 12:23 pm ET

When:>>>>>>
1. John Ensign
2. Bill Clinton
3. John Edwards

Lied / Cheated, did not harm anybody.

When:>>>>>>
1. Bush
2. Cheney.

Lied about WMDs of Iraq, 4300 US Troop Died, 45000 US Troop injured, and 100,000 Iraqis Died.

CRIMINAL BUSH AN CHENEY, BE PROSECUTED and PUT TO TRIAL

Mama_Bear   June 22nd, 2009 12:22 pm ET

This is not his first affair. He and the rest of the bogus, GOP jehovacats (Drug Rush, Bill O'Really, etc.) are the Democrats' best weapons. Go figure. . .

Ensign’s Affair Hits His Poll Numbers Hard « IL Conservative   June 22nd, 2009 12:22 pm ET

[...] Complete Story [...]

jp   June 22nd, 2009 12:19 pm ET

Typical politician! Here he sat for years condemning those who had affairs and pointed the finger while he was doing the same thing! He called for Clinton's impeachment and removal when that affair became public his his should remain a "private family issue"? He ran for office as a "moral" leader! He should be thrown out simply because he is a hypocrite and has no base for trust! Why do so many Republicans pretend to be so moral and then have a complete different set of rules for themselves!? I say "throw him to the dogs!"

Billy J in Texas   June 22nd, 2009 12:18 pm ET

It is the hypocrisy that makes this guy and so many other GOP's along with a few Dems look so pathetic. They not only tarnish their respective parties but our political system (including 'independent' players like the media). It is hard to get behind folks who fake outrage at gays and adulterers, when they themselves are the seediest variety of said sinners. (anonomous gay bathroom sex, sex with your employee's wife)

There is no shortage of hypocrisy in the Democratic party, but at the moment the Republicans are taking the cake. They need to dump a lot of baggage. I suggest this guy and Boehner to start. Maybe the Dems could cut a deal let Nancy and Harry go too. It would probably be best for both parties if they did.

Post always rejected by CNN   June 22nd, 2009 12:18 pm ET

Clinton was not convicted of anything in a court of law. If you are going to post these facts get them straight. But then republicans don't care about facts it's all spin and whine.

The only people who ruled against President Clinton was the overwhelming republican majority who had already spend 20 million dollars checking and rechecking and digging and trying to find dirt. If this had been a republican president nothing would have happened.

This won't be posted as usual, but bush had a lawsuit filed against him for sexual stalking and harrassment....by a Margie somebody. Her husband was beaten up, and told to make his wife drop the suit. And then two months later she conventently committed suicide. Altho the gun was never found.

George   June 22nd, 2009 12:16 pm ET

Affairs and Cheating by John Ensign, Bill Clinton, John Edwards

--------is not a Criminal act--------

Lying by Bush and Cheney about WMDs of Iraq and Misleading Americans into the War, resulting in Deaths of 4300 US Troops.

--------is a Criminal act---------–

BUSH AND CHENEY BE PROSECUTED AND TRIED

Marina   June 22nd, 2009 12:16 pm ET

If you can lie to the ones you love, you can lie to anyone. And if you can lie to anyone, you are not trustworthy. If you are not trustworthy, then you do not deserve to represent the people.

Oregon calling   June 22nd, 2009 12:16 pm ET

Anything to do with honor and marriage, the Senator should recuse himself from. I do hope that the good people of Nevada will vote for what is best for the country this next election.

Peace :-)

Billy J in Texas   June 22nd, 2009 12:14 pm ET

It's the hypocrisy, stupid!

Pamela McGregor   June 22nd, 2009 12:14 pm ET

Of course, this is not a good story for Fox News Network. The Fox was caught in the hen house, literally and figuratively. According to the Washington Post, the husband of the lady, a former aide, contacted Fox. Of course, Fox wanted to do some background checking and oops! Ensign prempted them.
Fox was also bruised by the Palins. Greta Van S went to Alaska and portrayed Bristol and her then-fiance as a couple devoted to be married and it was not so.
So much for fair and balanced!
News organizations, including CNN, should seriously examine their roles and become the media, rather the interpreters of news. There are few real anchors left. Read the news, leave the public to interpret and make their own judgement.

NJfinest2009   June 22nd, 2009 12:14 pm ET

Did this senator know that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, He told it all and threw himself to the wolves, the typical! Wifey will not leave her comfort zone because that lying husband of hers is all she knows. YOU CAN DO IT LADY!, Get a back bone and stop putting up with that mess. Admit it this is not the first time he cheated. You know the old saying fool me once, shame on you fool me twice shame on me!

Dennis   June 22nd, 2009 12:14 pm ET

Resign! Your hypocrisy is showing. If you call on others to resign for similar indiscretions, you must be willing to "practice what you preach".

Fla.   June 22nd, 2009 12:13 pm ET

Of course Sen. Ensign's favorables are dropping. Voters do not care for hypocrisy.

Not to mention, contributors are finding out their funds were used to double a salary in this indiscretion, along with extending paid benefits to her son at the National Republican Senatoral Committee, which Ensign chaired.

TracieG   June 22nd, 2009 12:13 pm ET

1)He is supposed to be a "christrian" and a member of "Promise Keepers" He is a TOTAL hypocrite.

2)He destroyed another family. The only reason this went public is because the husband needed help. Read what the husband had to say....how he can't get work because of this idiot Ensign. His family is in disarray thanks to Ensign. Another marriage down the tubes because this idiot had the power to mess up other people's lives.

3) He basically had sex with an employee....That is SEXUAL HARRASSMENT. He was in a position of power and ruthlessly pursued this employee who he clearly identified as being vulnerable. If not for her vulnerability then the affair would not have happened. The fact that there were pay raises during the affair implies to me "Quid Pro Quo" Sexual Harrassment.

Ensign deserves much more than what he is getting.

Ted Tartaglia   June 22nd, 2009 12:12 pm ET

Just another example that Republican support of "family values" is a charade. They talk the talk but have trouble with the walk. There is a good body of evidence to suggest these hypocrites never attempt to follow their "family values"; they just like to espouse their support.

Republican hypocrites denounce others for philandering but many of them seem to have trouble keeping their zippers zipped up. Perhaps some zipper instructions might be useful for them.

Liberals have Mental Disease   June 22nd, 2009 12:11 pm ET

Ensign should be voted out next election. He's just another member of Congress (and Bill Clinton) that have no values and no substance.

Ole Miss: Sorry About The Typo   June 22nd, 2009 12:09 pm ET

As well they should. His numbers should plummet. If the fox is going to steal a hen from time to time, he should suffer the consequences. Hypocrisy is not becoming for a Republican or a Democrat, but Republicans hold themselves up to be the keepers of morality. So let the numbers plunge, I say. Period, no discussion.

abraxis   June 22nd, 2009 12:07 pm ET

Wasn't Ensign the one who castigated Clinton for his alleged affair, rightly so I might add, and then goes on to commit adultery himself?

Let those without sin cast the first stone!!

Republican Slumdog   June 22nd, 2009 12:07 pm ET

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, I want my cake and eat it too. I want to have a wife and a mistress, I want to cheat on my wife and be president. I want to talk about the Dem's infidelity and be with my mistress. Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, I want it all.

Give me a break.

John   June 22nd, 2009 12:06 pm ET

Yet another self-inflicted victim of the "Family Values" GOP, who can't practice what he preaches.

Rita, Reno, NV   June 22nd, 2009 12:04 pm ET

Oh, and I did not sign up to pay for his flings, his rondezvous. Where's my reimbursement? I want my tax dollars back NOW.

phoenix86   June 22nd, 2009 12:04 pm ET

Well I see the democraps are in top form today, with their usual incoherant babble about republicans being "irresponsible", "hyprocritical" etc.

Clinton was impeached for perjury, not for having an affair with an intern.

The rest of the democrap arguements are just to stupid to respond to.

Doug, New Jersey   June 22nd, 2009 12:04 pm ET

If I were him I would just follow the path of Arlen Specter, as a Democrat this affair will mean nothing, in fact if Gerry Studds can get a parade for doing far worse, maybe as a Democrat Ensign can get one too!

LeAnne, MS   June 22nd, 2009 12:02 pm ET

As well they should. His numbers should plummet. If the fox is going to steal a hen from time to time, he should suffer the consequences. Hypocrisy is not becoming for a Republicans or a Democrats, but Republicans hold themselves up to be the keepers of morality. So let the numbers plunge, I say. Period, no discussion.

Cromwell   June 22nd, 2009 12:01 pm ET

Why should anyone be surprised.
Ensign is just another Country Club Republican phony.

katekate   June 22nd, 2009 11:59 am ET

So who cares what these guys do in their spare time? It takes a certain kind of ego to propel someone to high political office. Sex is just another perk. The important issue, as several have pointed out, is the hypocrisy being exposed here. I have always been suspicious of anyone who claims to walk the high moral ground, so I'm not surprised when these characters are exposed. What does bother me is that they're taking a whole lot of folks on a very nasty ride–Christians who actually believe they are voting for people who are as humble and devout as they.

Jefe   June 22nd, 2009 11:58 am ET

Respect @ June 22nd, 2009 10:54 am ET

Wow, great point. Funny, but frightening also. Here is a U.S. Senator, who knows how to catch Osama bin Laden, yet he continues to protect him. Highly suspect indeed

Dale   June 22nd, 2009 11:58 am ET

Look, cheating is wrong period – I agree. But there is a million ways that someone could do worse, like lying to the public and taking deals under the table against public wishes. We have literally hundreds of corrupt politicians.

I think they should all resign. But my point is none of them are clean, but the ones that affect me and the rest of the people are far worse than one that just cheats.

So if he's a cheating Liar that don't look out for the people who elected him then YES get rid of him. But if that's all he did and he does look out for the people that elected him then NO.

NoNo   June 22nd, 2009 11:56 am ET

If you do not set your expectations to high then you wont be so terribley let down.

LINDA   June 22nd, 2009 11:55 am ET

PEOPLE BE CAREFUL HOW YOU TREAT OTHERS FOR IT WILL COME BACK AND HAUNT YOU-BE CAREFULL WHAT YOU SAY ABOUT OTHERS OR JUDGE OTHERS-FOR IT WILL SURELY COME BACK AT CHA! LOOK AT ENSIGN and what he said and did to others not knowing his day was near and surely to come-so be careful what you do, say about others. Ensing bashed others around him so he lied,cheated,so now he is paying the price for all of it." BE CAREFUL"

Lorna, PA   June 22nd, 2009 11:55 am ET

It's not that he had an affair...human beings doing such things is not unusual or unforgivable....it's just the unmitigated hypocrisy of it all that makes it hard to take. Don't spew moral authority at me when your own moral high ground lies somewhere in the sewer. Okay?

GOP = 21st century dodo   June 22nd, 2009 11:55 am ET

@ rob

"I may be wrong but Clinton was impeached for committing PERJURY, SUBORNING PERJURY and OBSTRUCTING JUSTICE. He was convicted of these charges later in a court of law. But these FACTS don't matter to people like you."
=================================

If you give me five years and 50 million dollars, I'll find dirt on anyone. Does it not bother you that Henry Hyde, Bob Barr, and Newt Gingrich- Clinton's most vitriolic persecutors- also had affairs of their own?

Peter   June 22nd, 2009 11:53 am ET

This guy was a poor Senator to begin with....About time he goes down. As for the connection of John Edwards to Ensign, I see what you're trying to say, but I will put it this way....Edwards was at least an ok Senator. What they both did was wrong and I doubt either of them shall go back into politics due to these affairs. Though at the same time shouldn't we look at how their record was years later? Edwards at least did something to help people, Ensign was just being a fool. Before saying I'm biased towards Ensign, I admit I am. But the people you have brought up (Clinton, Edwards, and others which I barely know...) At least Clinton and Edwards had brains and a record which no matter how short, it was at least better than this guy.

truthsayer   June 22nd, 2009 11:53 am ET

62% of how many people says he shouldnt step down??...... If polls do not include at least 50,000 people, they should be deemed invalid

SparksNV   June 22nd, 2009 11:51 am ET

I am sick of hearing "but he was separated from his wife so it is ok"
1. marriage vows are "until death do us part" not until we are "separated"
2. look at the time line: the affair started in Dec 2007, he was separated in April, 2008...do you think the affair may be the cause of the separation?
3. he reconciled with his wife in July 2008, but he didn't end the affair until August, 2008. That makes him an even bigger sleazebag..
4. his wife has forgiven him??? her statment sounds like it was written by a script writer for the Stepford wives.

Anonymous   June 22nd, 2009 11:50 am ET

What this boils down to is ethics. The good senator demanded resignations when others in government were caught literally with their pants down. If the senator is truly an ethical man, he will resign his post.
I don't expect him to resign. He'll follow the party line of "We make the rules for everyone else, but we do what we want."

And "Ugly partisan hypocrite", can you PLEASE think of SOMETHING else to write? This countdown you post with regularity just shows that you have nothing to say and probably can't put a coherent sentence together. The Republicans are being bashed because they've acted like arrogant fools for 8 years and continue to do so. They have sewn what they are reaping. Get over it.

Lilarose in Bandon, Oregon   June 22nd, 2009 11:50 am ET

Bah!

Once a cheater, always a cheater!

They all say they "reconcile," but the wife does this, as usual, to keep her husband's career afloat.

I Am The Great And Powerful Rush Of Oz   June 22nd, 2009 11:50 am ET

Resign, No.
Apologize to Clinton, Vitter and Craig for being a hypocrite, yes.

Ambrose Smith, Borrego Springs, California   June 22nd, 2009 11:49 am ET

Fox News ignores this and continues the story of Obama eating MUSTARD on a cheeseburger.

The horror!

GOP = 21st century dodo   June 22nd, 2009 11:49 am ET

When something like this happens (which seems to happen a lot), people are quick to point out the indiscretions of members of the other party. That's a red herring and should be ignored.

What's relevant in this particular situation is that a sanctimonious GOP senator, who built his career on family values, was caught with his pants down.

Jeff Brown   June 22nd, 2009 11:48 am ET

To "Democratic hypocrisy at its best"

You said
"Notice the GOP bashers at it! They forget:

Edwards
Clinton
the NJ gay governor
The New Orleans mayor, forget his name too.
need I go on!"

You don't seem to understand that the GOP has turned peeping into people's bedrooms a cottage industry. The Dems could not care less who people are sleeping with. GOP HYPOCRITES!

Texas Teacher   June 22nd, 2009 11:46 am ET

I'm glad to see that most Americans will judge this man on his merits as a congressman rather than his personal life. I agree that the second survey by the GOP is totally irrelevant! Did anyone expect otherwise from the Limbaugh crowd?

Jim H, Glendale, CA   June 22nd, 2009 11:46 am ET

Bill Clinton was impeached by the Republican Congress, which Newt approved of while making his van rock 'n' roll in the parking garage with his staff. The impeachment was an indictment. The Senate did NOT convict him, and the courts never found Clinton guilty of perjury either. Do your research.

Ensign's disgraceful behavior came out only after the husband of his lover started putting pressure on him for money. Both his lover and her husband were on his campaign staff.

Edwards' political career is over, and it's uncomfortable when one of your political heroes steps in the doo-doo. Such is politics.

Dutch/Bad Newz, VA   June 22nd, 2009 11:42 am ET

NEWSFLASH: Diane Feinstein will become the first POTUS in 2016. Mark my words.

Democratic hypocrisy at its best   June 22nd, 2009 11:42 am ET

Notice the GOP bashers at it! They forget:

Edwards
Clinton
the NJ gay governor
The New Orleans mayor, forget his name too.
need I go on!

SparksNV   June 22nd, 2009 11:41 am ET

The poll was conducted by the GOP's Las Vegas paper so disregard it.

ThinkAboutIt   June 22nd, 2009 11:40 am ET

Keith in Austin writes "Let he without sin, cast the first stone." The problem is, this guy has made a career out of lobbing stones, in a very self-righteous, very public manner.

It's the hypocrisy, stupid!

Doc   June 22nd, 2009 11:39 am ET

Another BS artist who wears Jesus as a political icon instead of observing private faith....liar, cheater, defiler of the people's trust. Like Gingrich who carried on an affair, he pilloried Clinton for his behavior, and now he too is exposed as a projection artist and loser.
GOP is just laughable in its holier than thou mantra....

ThinkAboutIt   June 22nd, 2009 11:38 am ET

The latest article about the affair on the Fox News website is dated June 18, 2009 (check it yourself). Guess it's hard to be fair and balanced when you've got your head in the sand.

Can you imagine how much coverage Fox would be giving this story if the affair had involved a prominent Democrat?

Gary, Los Angeles   June 22nd, 2009 11:37 am ET

This just made him more famous, and a possible candidate for President in 2012.

calvin   June 22nd, 2009 11:37 am ET

THE SHOULD SET DOWN. OUR GOVERMENT CAN NOT HAVE ANY MORE UNFAITHFUL PEOPLE IN IT. IF HE CAN NOT BE TRUE TO HIS WIFE HOW CAN HE BE FAITHFUL TO HIS JOB. GET MORE DEMOCRAT WE NEED MOR E SOFT HEARTED COWARDS IN THERE.

ThinkAboutIt   June 22nd, 2009 11:35 am ET

His popularity has slipped, as it should. His hypocrisy is astounding and given he is a member of the GOP, which has become increasingly self-righteous and intolerant over the last several years, this is legitimate news.

For those who think we should have term limits, we do: it's called being an informed voter and voting accordingly.

Now back to coverage in Iran, where heroes every day are taking to the streets and risking their lives for their freedom!

David in NC   June 22nd, 2009 11:34 am ET

This story gets coverage because Ensign has always been the first one beating the drums for politicians in sex scandals to resign. He has dug his own political grave.

He deserves all the negative press he can get over this affair until he's forced to resign. That's just what happens when you beat the drum of moral rightness!!!!

Sean the thinker   June 22nd, 2009 11:33 am ET

Gee!! How come I never seen anything about this story or about the Senator's extramaritial affair on the FOX news website?

James, Ho. TX   June 22nd, 2009 11:31 am ET

Resign Ensign; How do you expect to manage the affairs of the Country, When you can't manage your personal affairs?

Mary Matters » Post Topic » Senator John Ensign’s Actions Weaken Traditional Marriage   June 22nd, 2009 11:31 am ET

[...] those pesky family values.  Another Republican admits a do as I say not as I do attitude.  Senator John Ensign's poll numbers are dropping after [...]

rob   June 22nd, 2009 11:30 am ET

@RAG

I may be wrong but Clinton was impeached for committing PERJURY, SUBORNING PERJURY and OBSTRUCTING JUSTICE. He was convicted of these charges later in a court of law. But these FACTS don't matter to people like you.

Gary   June 22nd, 2009 11:26 am ET

Who cares about Ensign?????

Iran is the News!!! Every leader in the free world should be speaking out strongly for the citizens of Iran, emphasizing that the government there needs to reform to give a real fair election, equal rights for women, equal rights and respect for people of all religions and friendlier relationship (without nuclear weapons) with the rest of the world. That the Iranian people deserve a representative government that looks out for their welfare and can help develop an economic, socially and politically successful country. Obama isn't doing enough, but neither are the leaders of France, Germany, Britian, India etc.

dmjakers   June 22nd, 2009 11:25 am ET

Ensign is famous for calling on Democratic politicians caught in a mess to resign from the Senate - he should lead by example. His fellow Republican hypocrites will stand by him just as they have for other Republican degenerates including Senator Larry Craig the perv who plead guilty after being caught propositioning men for sex in a public restroom, Senator David Vitter who admitted repeatedly patronizing a bordello and Rush Limbaugh the convicted drug dealer and addict. Somehow, the GOP keeps them on their high horses.

EDDIE   June 22nd, 2009 11:24 am ET

Why hasn't this two faced repub risigned yet?

Once You Vote Black: PUMA where are you?   June 22nd, 2009 11:24 am ET

His sin was playerhating others who cheated, and then getting caught. I can forgive the cheating, I cannot forgive a person with all his powers getting caught.

Jeff Brown   June 22nd, 2009 11:24 am ET

Another GOP "Family Values" guy. What a bunch of hypocrites!!!!! God Bless President Obama!

Keith in Austin   June 22nd, 2009 11:24 am ET

Let he without sin, cast the first stone.

Robert   June 22nd, 2009 11:22 am ET

Why are you giving this story so much more coverage than John Edwards received? Or numerous other democrats.

Let's run the Edwards story every day for a few months and then do a poll about whether he should run for president again.

David   June 22nd, 2009 11:20 am ET

Didn't this guy tell Bill Clinton to resign due to his affair? SO... why doesn't he take his own advice?

Anne E.   June 22nd, 2009 11:19 am ET

He should do exactly what he said Bill Clinton should do.
I'm constantly astounded by the hypocrisy of the GOP. They dog the Dems for the very same thing they themselves are doing; they think they're so above it all, and that all they have to do is "confess" and everything can go back to the way they want it to be.
Hypocrisy, thy name is GOP.

Longhorn#1   June 22nd, 2009 11:18 am ET

Who cars Gouls. This is between, him, his wife, the woman and God. It's is not for the populace and the Media to judge.

Josh from Knoxville, TN   June 22nd, 2009 11:18 am ET

After the stimulus plan and all the schemes and payback fails, Obama should blame the struggling economy on global turmoil and unrest. This will give him political cover to start cracking down on political opposition here at home.

mr. d   June 22nd, 2009 11:18 am ET

He should resign– it's too bad , I have to wait until 2012- to help him resign

Jay   June 22nd, 2009 11:15 am ET

Yet another Republican Man of Character!

susie   June 22nd, 2009 11:14 am ET

Bill Clinton stayed in office, why shouldn't he?

virginia nielsen   June 22nd, 2009 11:14 am ET

Typical Republican !!! Do what i say but don't do what I do !!! What a shame !!!

Jefe   June 22nd, 2009 11:13 am ET

A Republican Senator who was cheating on his wife (with a woman). That's the surprising part.

john u   June 22nd, 2009 11:12 am ET

Well, I guess being a "promise keeper", lecturing people on the evils of gay marraige and how great 'holy' straight marraige is, and holding yourself up as a pillar of the community blown apart by reality has its downside.

Joe in CA   June 22nd, 2009 11:10 am ET

Hypocrite, hypocrite hypocrite. He's getting all he deserves. The party of NO is NO different that the rest of the world. They put them out there to nut job religious right for their vote hoping their scandals like this and Larry Craig don't ever come out but at the end of the day they are just scummy politicians that'll say anything for a vote but do what ever they want to disgrace their families. Nevada needs to vote this scum bag out in the next election and take Gov Gibbons with you. The other Republican in a messy divorce. Time for Mayor Oscar Goodman of Las Vegas to move into either of these positions..

Brian0901   June 22nd, 2009 11:07 am ET

Imagine that! Another "moral" republican showed his true colors.

bill b. from Stratford,Ct   June 22nd, 2009 11:07 am ET

Gee, I wonder why the media and the Republicans aren't all over this story like they would be if it was a Democrat. When Edwards and Clinton were caught in their sex scandal, you couldn't get the media and the Republicans off the TV. The republicans spent millions of dollars to expose Clinton, John Edwards was called every name you can think of by the republicans, one republican even say Edwards should commit suicide, now you talk about going all out. But once again it's a Republican so we should feel sorry for him a just let him and his family work it out, PLEASE. If this was a Democrat, FOX NEWS and the media would be all over this like white on rice and there would be no just let him and his family work it out. HYPOCRITS

Darla (Edmonton, Canada)   June 22nd, 2009 11:06 am ET

Is anyone really surprised? This is SO non-news ... a drop in the polls after admitting an affair ... it was inevitable ...

dp   June 22nd, 2009 11:05 am ET

What a piece of garbage . He then would like to be re-elected. I would say he is paying more attention to women that his job.
The wife on the other hand must not want to give up her good life with this man because she probally does not have the courage to go on her own.
I would like to see a picture of his wife .
You must know when you are in the public eye you do not get away with that kind of character.
He looks arrogant in all his pictures.

rob   June 22nd, 2009 11:04 am ET

At least CNN added a few lines comparing Ensign's #'s to that of Harry Reid who's approval #'s are lower. Perhaps, just perhaps that little bit of info should have been the headline.

Ensign did the right thing in resigning his leadership post. He will recover.

Fitz in Texas   June 22nd, 2009 11:03 am ET

Do these people in government think before they do stupid things? Actually, no they don't. They're politicians.

Al Ram   June 22nd, 2009 11:03 am ET

Another Republican who does not practice what he preach. I'm sure there are more to come.

Jeff   June 22nd, 2009 11:03 am ET

Another self-righteous Republican admitting to an affair? At this point I assume that the Republicans never practice what they preach. What a gaggle of creeps.

rita   June 22nd, 2009 11:02 am ET

A nine month affair is a big slap in the face to his conservative constituents. Why would they want to keep him in the Senate if his conservative credentials are now so highly suspect? There can only be one reason for keeping him in office and that is because they have become increasingly comfortable with conservative politicians who talk out of both sides of their mouths. Hypocrisy now goes down as easy as a hot cup of coffee on an early rainy morning. It was a heterosexual relationship after all. It's not like he was having a nine month affair with another consenting adult male. He still has his requisite 2.5 children, wife, gorgeous politician hair, protestant church membership and firm views against love between two men or two women. If all of that is still intact, then there is no reason at all to boot him. We'll just forget about this little 9 month indiscretion and get back to attacking those pesky homosexuals.

Dave   June 22nd, 2009 11:02 am ET

Whatever... another GOP leader with weird personal ethics and strangely assertive against his own ethics.

The duplicity is a cliche.

Let's talk more about terrorism and homosexuaity and try to forget about this.

Lia   June 22nd, 2009 10:59 am ET

His infidelities are his own business as far as I am concerned. But his history of hypocrisy shows how shallow and politically opportunistic he really is. He should resign. He is not trustworthy.

RealityKing   June 22nd, 2009 10:58 am ET

When is CNN going to do a poll on our Iranian reponse? Especially in light of the graphic deaths they continue to show over and over and over.

Squigman   June 22nd, 2009 10:58 am ET

Maybe the American people are finally seeing their elected representatives for what they are. They are elected, not appointed. They are employed by the people, not the rulers of the people. And, yes they are human. But the biggest thing making most people question their choice of leaders, is the hypocritical way their leaders want to lead. None, and I mean none of the elected people, whether Senate or Congress, should try to place what they believe is moral into any equation for the masses. Especially when they can not live up to the standards themselves.

Mississippi Mike   June 22nd, 2009 10:58 am ET

No kidding. Numbers plummet after admitting affair. There's a piece of hard-hitting analysis.

Pat in IL   June 22nd, 2009 10:58 am ET

Having an affair is between him and his concious, his family, and his God, but hyprocricy is the business of all of his constituents. Being a hypocrit is being a liar, and once lied to, you don't know what to believe or what the motives are behind his decisions, because to lie is the ultimate act of selfishness. If he can't be accountable in his personal life, then what chance is there of him being accountable in his public life?

Respect   June 22nd, 2009 10:54 am ET

I still waiting for John McCain to give us the direction on how to catch Bin Lade. Remember he said he knew how to catch Bin Laden, although during Bush's presidency he offered no advice and now he is doing the same thing under Obama's.

John are you protecting Bin Laden? We Americans want to know...

A. K.   June 22nd, 2009 10:54 am ET

YET ANOTHER REPUBLICAN HYPOCRIT!!! Does old Ensign remember attacking Clinton for his morals and suggesting that he resign. Just another case of "do as I say, now as I do?"

Hypocrits who want to start a war on another front in the mid east.
I am no longer a Republican; I am an Independent.

whitefences   June 22nd, 2009 10:54 am ET

If any politician is caught with his pants down, he should resign. Automatic. Period.

Nathan   June 22nd, 2009 10:53 am ET

CNN, where the horse races never end. I got so sick of the campaign coverage already by last summer. I don't need to know about every single person who changes their mind about a candidate because of this or that. I got tired of hearing about Bush's approval rating and I'm getting tired of hearing about Obama's (and I'm a strong Obama supporter, by the way). But numbers appear to be the most important thing about a person, to CNN. This is schlock journalism.

Joanna in PA   June 22nd, 2009 10:53 am ET

I am going to be constant, his affair is really none of my concern. But wasn't this man calling for Clinton to resign? Isn't he in a group (for men only) called the promise keepers? He certainly is a Hypocrite! But again, really none of my concern, Just like Clinton's and Edward's affairs were none of my concern. Clinton's impeachment was a total shame and a waste of money. It took time and effort, not to mention money from real issue. Affairs should be between the spouses.

was he on the hit list?   June 22nd, 2009 10:53 am ET

someone surely could check the AIPAC hitlist.

Marydoe   June 22nd, 2009 10:53 am ET

Shocking. Could it be b/c people are fed-up with lying hypocrites representing them? I mean, Ensign was outraged that Bill Clinton did the same thing to his wife that Ensign did, and Ensign thought Bill should be impeached. Priceless.

~~ July ~~   June 22nd, 2009 10:52 am ET

Oh come on!!!! That is soooooooo unfair!

Whatever happen to ' What happens in Vegas , stays in Vegas' LOL!!

DX in TX   June 22nd, 2009 10:51 am ET

I can hear the Karl Rove minds grinding now...Republicans are searching for a Lewinsky to bring down President Obama...I'm sure!
Come on you know the Republicans are constantly looking for ways to destroy this president. It's what they do...

Obama/Biden
2008/2012

NeverScared   June 22nd, 2009 10:49 am ET

This IS the same guy who demanded Clinton's resignation after his infedility became public, right???

Ensign needs to RESIGN and.............kick rocks!

George the Democrat Obama fanatic.   June 22nd, 2009 10:49 am ET

Vegas is Sin City, whatever you want Vegas can make it happen for the right price. How can they get mad at their own senator for an affair. BTW I love Vegas.

Robin   June 22nd, 2009 10:48 am ET

Not surprising. Republican, Democrat, Independant. They would all feel the same fall out.

southerncousin   June 22nd, 2009 10:47 am ET

Tammy, don't understand you comment? Are you saying this just happens to conservative republicans? Are you a naive dope smoker? Or just a plain liberal bigot?

William   June 22nd, 2009 10:47 am ET

This affair should have nothing to do with the Senator's performance in his job. All this amounts to is a bunch of gossip that should just be put into perspective. His private life is his affair.

elsonson   June 22nd, 2009 10:45 am ET

Another one bites the dust!

JonDie   June 22nd, 2009 10:45 am ET

I would hope so. This self-righteous buffoon has built his career on being a "promise keeper." Nice of the media though to try to protect Ensign by putting John Edwards on the front pages.

Joe the REALIST...!   June 22nd, 2009 10:43 am ET

It's so obvious that the Republican party has defined themselves as the party of "Hypocrites"......They really have only a couple of people that you can really take serious, and thats (Colin Powell & Charlie Christ)....

The majority of them seem to just play games and robotically oppose any and everything the President does or says....

I think the picking of Sarah Palin as a legitamate VP choice solidified their march into irrelevance, this move showed not only Americans, but Europeans as well, that Republicans are just mere political game players, they shouldn't be taken serious....

Demarcus Jackson from Columbia, TN   June 22nd, 2009 10:43 am ET

If the voting citizens of Nevada are smart, then they will kick Sen. Ensign out of office. He is just another symbol of hypocrisy within the Republican Party. This man has spent all of his political life denying rights from gays and others who would others cherish marriage more than he has.

Cache   June 22nd, 2009 10:42 am ET

Of course he won't step down. All politicians are 'do as I say, not as I do'. He will run again 'because the people need him' and he will do as he always has–in HIS best interests. Why else did he break his marital vows? I'm a strong Republican and I have to say this is the kind of man I find appalling.

Remember that he said in his marriage vows that he would be faithful–can we really trust if he would lie to his wife that he would treat the US and its citizens any differently?

The black spider   June 22nd, 2009 10:42 am ET

Hypocrites can not be trusted. It will teach lesson to others or to zip their pants.
If he was quite during the clinton impeachment then i would understand but he is a green snake hidding under green grass. Get him out of politics that is not his job.

Marty, Grand Rapids Mi   June 22nd, 2009 10:41 am ET

Bye. I hope a democrat takes your seat.

skyhawkdriver   June 22nd, 2009 10:38 am ET

Your career as a politician is over ensign..of course now you can retire..collect a pension..have free health care for life..and go to work as a political consultant on cnn or fox..or work as a lobbiest for the drug companies and make millions..all paid for by us..once again the taxpayers get the giant screw

sam, HIGHLAND RANCH, COLORADO   June 22nd, 2009 10:38 am ET

Hypocrite!!!!!

Tammy   June 22nd, 2009 10:38 am ET

What a surprise...another conservative republican caught breaking one of those 10 commandments again.

Michigan   June 22nd, 2009 10:38 am ET

I find it so funny that people are this judgmental over sexual failings. America, particularly Republicans) will accept us torturing people, killing innocents in Iraq, eliminating taxes for social programs, but they are all up in arms, literally, over anything sexual in nature, and abortion. Can you say double standard?

GI Joe   June 22nd, 2009 10:38 am ET

I think he should resign immediately. If we can't have ethical people in our government, this country is down the tubes (besides, he demanded that others in the same mess should resign – put your money where your mouth is twit).

Dave   June 22nd, 2009 10:36 am ET

typical Republican hypocrite...preach family values, insisted that Clinton resign back when...but now that he's caught , he wants to stay. HYPOCRITE

Parnell Meagre   June 22nd, 2009 10:36 am ET

What a headline. Did they think it would improve his poll numbers?

katiec   June 22nd, 2009 10:33 am ET

It would not have been so bad if Ensign had not been one of those republicans strongly codemming the wrong doings of others.
He demanded resignation, showed his indignation, touting how
pure he was.
So many politicans while doing anything to grab the headlines believe high standards pertain to everyone but them. Maybe now he will not be so quick to judge others. His affair should not cause resignation but his hypocrasy should.

bj, Texas   June 22nd, 2009 10:33 am ET

Ok ACORN paid posters. Have at it on this blog. This is what you get paid for, bashing a republican.

carlo   June 22nd, 2009 10:31 am ET

You know, Republicans could avoid falling so hard from grace if they would stop being so hypocritical and ordering the crucifixion of everyone who screws up.

Las Vegas cares about having an affair?   June 22nd, 2009 10:29 am ET

that makes me laugh

vote the bum out, but not for that reason

Mamanomia   June 22nd, 2009 10:27 am ET

Right ..I love these polls...Should he have represented anything but the GOP...they would have wanted him hung...he certainly doesn't represent family values..but, because he is what he is...he gets a pass...Good ole politics

MikeH   June 22nd, 2009 10:24 am ET

Whoa CNN, let's not distract from the real story on Ensign's affair.

Where's the coverage on why Ensign came forward about it, his attempt to say he was being blackmailed by Ensign's staffer, the womans husband (a felony crime) then Ensign's retraction that he was being blackmailed.

I know CNN would much rather headline their Republican operative John King's latest anti-Obama tripe, but this Ensign story won't go away quick enough

If CNN is going to dwell on superficial news, than at least cover the 'Blackmail' aspect of Ensign's affair.

Vic   June 22nd, 2009 10:22 am ET

Just like a Republifreak. ALL talk and no action.

He groaned and moaned for Clinton's and Criag's head on a platter during their affairs.

Why isn't he quitting??????????

Dave from Georgia   June 22nd, 2009 10:20 am ET

Of course, conservatives do not practice what they preach. We should forgive them and move on.

GOP4Life   June 22nd, 2009 10:18 am ET

This is why we will take back the country, everyone will forget about this by 2012 and his approvals will be back up!!

marcus   June 22nd, 2009 10:18 am ET

let's hope the dems can find a high quality individual to run against him next time he's up for re-election..

Reinstate Darwinism   June 22nd, 2009 10:18 am ET

It seems odd that people are so quick to judge someone. Regardless of what party they bow to. People are more than happy to judge someone without all of the facts of the subject.

We hold our politicians to such a high standard. Often times they would rather go through the risk of exposing an "affair." Than go through the political damage of a divorce. For all we know him and his wife may have an understanding. Because they both realize what it would do to his career if it were exposed. I wonder how many politicians out there are still "married" just because of the public image.

Which brings up another interesting point. Why is it not okay to be single and a prominent politician? Aren't we passed all of this yet? It's a barrier often not spoke of.

How can we act surprised or outraged when we hold them to an unrealistic standard?

Zion   June 22nd, 2009 10:15 am ET

Again, the American people need to stop focusing on things that are not their business, and look out for their long term interests.

James   June 22nd, 2009 10:15 am ET

Like so many politicans... the man is a hypocrit! Sleep with whomever you want, but don't take other people to task for doing the same thing (i.e.-Bill Clinton). He is also an outspoken supporter of the Defense of Marrage Act... perhaps we should add something to the Act about sleeping around on your wife...with another man's wife.

labop   June 22nd, 2009 10:15 am ET

Just another low life politician admitting to his dirt. It's pretty disgusting.

Tom St. Paul   June 22nd, 2009 10:13 am ET

OK, before we get too may comments, we need to address one thing. Inevitably, a GOP loyalist will complain that American voters and the press have a double standard when it comes to extramarital affairs, claiming that GOPers who have affairs are excoriated, but Democrats are given a pass.

Here's the deal, GOPers: What Americans REALLY hate is HYPOCRACY, even more than a public figure's affair or lies to try to cover it up. Democarats don't claim to be the "Family Values" holier-than-thou, bedroom-snooping party, wheras the Republicans do. If you want the rest of us to cut you some slack, get off the morality high-horse.

It's the hypocracy, stupid!

Edwin Lee   June 22nd, 2009 10:13 am ET

Both parties have their "pretty boys" whose marquee looks helped them get where they are: elected and sexually active. These superficial characteristics which get votes can also get extramarital sex when the person who has them uses them as a crutch and couples them with the personal power of elected office. It will always be thus. The sad thing is when a political party chooses to tout its family values and morality while its members behave just as badly, if not worse, than the rest of us.

Larry   June 22nd, 2009 10:13 am ET

Another Republican bites the dust.

Wonder what Ensign thicks we should do about Iran, not that we care what he thinks.

nunez   June 22nd, 2009 10:13 am ET

Senator Ensign called for Larry Craig and Bill Clinton to resign after their affairs were revealed, and what is curious, those two did not double their mistresses salaries, did not get jobs for their mistresses 19 year old sons, and did not secure high-paying positions for the husbands of their mistresses. Senator Ensign has. What is most curious is that the Republicans do not recoil in indignation at the affairs of their fellow party members, but always shriek for Democrats to resign when Democrats are indiscreet in their personal affairs. Does this smack a bit of hypocrisy, or is it just my imagination?

Martha B   June 22nd, 2009 10:11 am ET

I am divorced because of an affair my husband had w/his scretary. I don't understand why men are so disloyal to their spouses. I mean, if you want to run around, if you want to date, then get a divorce!!! Be single and quit making a fool out the woman you promised to love and cherish for life. I think politicians that can't keep vows to their spouses aren't worth a crap. I could have handled a divorce request much better than the gossip, ridicule, and embarrassment I felt once my ex's affair was exposed (by his secretary when she dumped him). A man or a woman, for that matter, that lies to his/her spouse by having an affair is a coward of the highest degree.

Bev - NYC   June 22nd, 2009 10:10 am ET

He should have to re-pay all campaign funds used on pay raises to his lover and her son.

Margaret   June 22nd, 2009 10:08 am ET

Politicians, PLEASE LISTEN:

WE, the People, have HAD IT with your lying, and cheating. PERIOD. We have the right to expect MORE of the people who lead this nation, no matter WHAT PARTY YOU ARE.

We expect you to follow our laws, PAY YOUR TAXES, be faithful to your spouses and in general, try to be good role models.

BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, REMEMBER THAT YOU WORK FOR THE PEOPLE and NOT the other way around.

ANYONE not following these rules is subject to termination at the next election. PERIOD.

Limbaugh is a liberal   June 22nd, 2009 10:08 am ET

The GOP has always championed high personal morals. That's why the first, and so far only divorcee president was the king of them all, Ronald Reagan!

Pat Dunedin Fl   June 22nd, 2009 10:07 am ET

Wasn't he a member of the Christian Group, The Promise Keepers?
The Republicans reap what they sow. Larry Craig and Mr Vitter
are all pretty much the big picture for the Repubes. Lets hope
the south and the midwest can get their heads out their behinds
and smell the real stink weeds!!!!!!!

Peter E   June 22nd, 2009 10:06 am ET

I'm not sure what I find more disappointing: the media for thinking personal matters are anyone's business but those involved, or the fickle public for thinking it should be a deciding factor in an election.

Winston   June 22nd, 2009 10:06 am ET

Senator, just cut to the chase and resign;just as you have suggested to so many others that have found themselves in awkward,politically unfavorable positions.

Jan from Madison WI   June 22nd, 2009 10:01 am ET

So much for family valuse, typical of the GOPER BRAND, hidding behind family value but committing the wrong that they accuses people of.

Pel   June 22nd, 2009 10:00 am ET

Now is the time for the great senator of the great state of Nevada to live up to his own words and resign. Remember he was one of the leading congressperson who was adamant that President Bill Clinton should resign.. Also, he has champion the view, if you were not the perfect person you should be forced from office. There was no room to be human and error in life. So, Senator Ensign I know we the American people willo soon here you say, I am resigning my senate seat so the people of Nevada can elect a senator that is human and has human flaws.

Steve in Denver   June 22nd, 2009 9:59 am ET

When you call for somebody's resignation (Clinton) for having an extra-marital affair, and you are found to be having one yourself, how on earth do you not resign from office? He's only one step above Gingrich, at least he wasn't having an affair (that we know of) WHILE he was proposing to remove Clinton from office.

Still, I just can't imagine how much more hypocracy one party can have under it's tent.

Mike in MI   June 22nd, 2009 9:59 am ET

And it's these kind of Republicans that think that marriage should be between one man and one woman... funny when you think about it... Happy Gay Pride everyone!

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ   June 22nd, 2009 9:58 am ET

Has he been doing the job that he was elected to do? Has he been representing his state in the Senate? If he has he could stay as far as I am concernt, but he should be questioned if he plans to run again. He has broken the trust that many people placed in him. This does draw against his credability.

Bill   June 22nd, 2009 9:58 am ET

Senator Ensign should practice what he preaches to Senator Stevens and former President Clinton. It is just amazing when the shoe drops on the other foot how Senator Ensign seems to have forgotten his holly than thow words.

Senator Ensign you are a disgrace to the state of Nevada please resign from the Senate ASAP!

LIP   June 22nd, 2009 9:56 am ET

Those topics that one would like to contribute some substantive comments to aren't available, but this kind of "flies to crap" topics with the all too common "yellow journalism" theme line are always here for the Liberal degenerates to drool all over.
As usual, nice work CNN.

Duck Fallas   June 22nd, 2009 9:55 am ET

This is all Bill Clinton's fault. Thank God for the Senator Ensign's courage. Please lecture me further on how I should be living my life so that I may emulate you.

James M. Holmes   June 22nd, 2009 9:55 am ET

Just another "holier than thou" Republican...

I don't think someone's personal sex life should be anyone's business. That said, when you want to stand on your "high horse" and judge others, then you should be held to the standard that you have set for others...

But he wont. Republicans these days seem to have NO SHAME!

Eric   June 22nd, 2009 9:54 am ET

The man ran on family values, he screamed for Clinton to resign after the Lewinsky affair. This is hypocrisy at its finest folks.

CNN GOP Bashing at it again   June 22nd, 2009 9:53 am ET

CNN doesn't miss a beat! Wait for this on Monday AM to launch this convenient piece on the GOP.

CNN is IN THE DEMOCRATIC TANK!

Dutch/Bad Newz, VA   June 22nd, 2009 9:53 am ET

He wanted Clinton impeached. Why shouldn't we ask him for his resignation? Hypocracy at it's worst. This is not a right vs. left problem, this is an American problem. As much as we see Sarah Palin in the news making a spectacle of Republican/Conservative values, this is just a another blow to the GOP.

Edwards – cheats on wife(just to be fair)
Palin – daughter has child out of wedlock
Ensign – cheats on wife
McCain – cheats on 1st wife
Airport Senator – pervert

The GOP really needs to give up on the whole family values ideal, becaus clearly they have none.

SG Baker   June 22nd, 2009 9:52 am ET

Yep, here we go again. The New Democratic Party is still on its quest to eliminate competition at the POLLS. How come they buried their heads in the sand once John Edwards situation was exposed. Kinda wonder about the media that is controlled by the white house these days, eh. Maybe it is true. I am all for FREE MEDICAL CARE. Only the intelligent people understand that nothing in this world is free! Someone has to pay and pay big.

Ron L   June 22nd, 2009 9:51 am ET

The thing that is MOST ANNOYING about this situation is HE IS A HYPOCRITE to the max. I am so tired of these self-righteous blowhards condemning everyone elses behaviour and then doing the SAME thing or even WORST. He's a LIAR and a CHEAT and if he will do it to his wife he surely will lie and cheat the voters of Nevada!! WAKE UP PEOPLE !! We have to many LIARS and GAME PLAYERS in the Congress and Senate. We need NEW BLOOD in Washington D.C.

SHIRLEY SDL   June 22nd, 2009 9:51 am ET

The hypocrisy of Ensign is what bothers me most about this situation. If repubs didn't set themselves up as the moral leaders of everyone, then this story would not be so ludicrous. He should resign, just as he has said others in similar should do. As the story goes on, I wonder how much more will come out about this hypocrit.

Amar N   June 22nd, 2009 9:51 am ET

He needs to resign the way he called for Bill Clinton to resign. These republicans were RUTHLESS to President Clinton, never giving him the chance, attacking him on every front. Resign, Senator Ensign.

Tim   June 22nd, 2009 9:51 am ET

GOP losers.
Citizen Kane????

RAG   June 22nd, 2009 9:50 am ET

On the bottomless hypocracy of the GOP!!!

Ensign shouldn't step down, but Bill Clinton shouldbe impeached? If anything proves that the witch-hunt against Bill Clinton had nothing to do with his behavior and everything to do with his politics, this is it. They couldn;t attck his sober, successful policies so they trumped up an irrelevant morals scandal.

I would say "Shame!" if they had any.

paul oregon   June 22nd, 2009 9:50 am ET

the grand old party of NO is about as relevent as mud in ones eye
people when its time to vote just think of the last 8 yrs. and the amount of
money you lost in your retirement fund. then think were you would be if
mccain-palin had won? scary isnt it.

FRANK, Las Vegas   June 22nd, 2009 9:49 am ET

No one asked me or any of my friends about Ensign. He should resign, just like he requested others in similar situations to resign. Ensign is a hypocrite of the purest form. For him it's do as i say not as I do. I'm sure we haven't heard the last of his affairs, does anyone really believe there was only one?! He doesn't pay any attention to what the citizens of NV want, only what the party wants and only speaks the party line, when he's not in some hotel room in bed that is.

Ensign, do us a favor and Please resign!

Post always rejected by CNN   June 22nd, 2009 9:49 am ET

I haven't heard anything on the news about democrats pushing this story. Why does Geraldo start blasting all over his show that this is the democrats fault....I guess they have to blame somebody for this man's affair so the picked the democrats. Typical. Coulter was blasting and whining about it again yesterday. Is she jealous that no man looks that way.

So I guess it was the republicans fault that Spitzer had to resign after his affair.

Mark Garcia   June 22nd, 2009 9:49 am ET

Since Obama owns part of CNN, can you be surprised by the article?

Sonny   June 22nd, 2009 9:48 am ET

We now know of one thing that the party of no will say yes to.

nom deplume, esq.   June 22nd, 2009 9:46 am ET

Why is this a headline when there is so much hard political news? Could it be that the party of the perpetrator dictates coverage? When Chris Dodd was discovered to have gotten a sweetheart deal on an Irish property from a person who he helped to get a presidential pardon; and when the Administration fired, then trashed the reputation of an inspector general that dared to investigate an Obama supporter; and when one of the President's former campaign workers is put in charge of the DoJ Tax Division despite having no experience whatsoever, CNN is reporting on the poll numbers of a Senator that admitted an affair (which is almost a prerequisite for Senators, it seems). Seems CNN reports only what Gibbs tells it to report.

Tommy   June 22nd, 2009 9:45 am ET

I don't think the guy should resign. What happened is between him and his family. However, he really should shut up about the sanctity of marriage, not allowing gays to marry, abstinence, yada yada, on and on... It's one thing to be principled, it's another to be a principled hypocrite.

Aim high!

Ryan Indy   June 22nd, 2009 9:45 am ET

Love to hear the hypocrites(DEMOCRATS) talk down to republicans and tell us how the GOP is so unethical. Democrats, the party of Billy Clinton and John Edwards, really shouldnt be giving anyone a lecture.

Neville Obama   June 22nd, 2009 9:44 am ET

The voters of Nevada will decide if they want a cheater representing them. If he can still represent them effectively, it is their choice. We've hasd hundreds of cheating politicians such as JFK, Clinton, Edwards, not to mention Barney Frank running a gay brothel from his condo. They keep getting re-elected. It's not like they broke any laws such as leaving a woman to die after crashing into the ocean because you were drunk.

Libertarian   June 22nd, 2009 9:42 am ET

I think affairs and corruption are the only things in Washington that have bipartisan support. LOL

safari   June 22nd, 2009 9:40 am ET

The republican party is supposed to be leaders in Christianity. Every time you turn around, one of them is screwing someone elses wife or having an affair in the men's room
They, like Esign, are hypocrites. .

Machiavelli, Baton Rouge, LA   June 22nd, 2009 9:40 am ET

"Let the shoe drop"! The Republicans brandished the former Head of the World, Bill Clinton, for not being forthcoming about his relationship with Monica Lewinski. It has always been told to me, "Do not throw stones when you live in a glass house".

Jason   June 22nd, 2009 9:40 am ET

Another fallen from grace from the party of family val..., I mean the party of compassiona..., er the party of holier than th... ah heck who are they kidding.

John Black Hills/SD   June 22nd, 2009 9:40 am ET

Sen. Ensign is the picture of Washington DC politicians whose rules apply to everyone else, but them. A lack of discipline exposes the weakness of Americans representation in both Houses of Congress. We look more like a third world nation every time we re-elect a career politician who offers Americans more of the same old behaviors of elitism. Keep your worms in your draws unless it's with your wives.

Neilz   June 22nd, 2009 9:39 am ET

Is this FOX or CNN?

southerncousin   June 22nd, 2009 9:38 am ET

I realize CNN and People magazine are all owned by the same liberal media conglamorate, however, with all of the important things going on in the world this morning, this article is ridiculous. I guess the dope smokers that use CNN as their news source need something to read before Jerry Springer comes on.

RealityKing   June 22nd, 2009 9:38 am ET

After a weekend of murder in Iran, CNN leads off with a poll on a republican. Geee, could their bias protection of Obama's impotence be anymore obvious??

SENSIBLE MIKE   June 22nd, 2009 9:38 am ET

Its amazing to me that Democrats are bulletproof to affairs (Clinton, Kennedy etc etc etc), but Republicans are not. Exactly what is in that Democrat kool-aid you all drink?

C Spurgeon   June 22nd, 2009 9:37 am ET

Just another examp;e of a phoney hypocrite telling other people how to live their lives. He should be run out of office.

Monday Morning News Blues | DEEP BRAIN DIARY   June 22nd, 2009 9:36 am ET

[...] that the good folks of Nevada don't much cotton to their Republican Senator's galavanting around with a married campaign staffer.  Hardly [...]

Minnesotan   June 22nd, 2009 9:36 am ET

Another two-faced lying Republican. What a shocker.

quarterback   June 22nd, 2009 9:35 am ET

Hypocrite. Arrogant. Gone.

Aviate   June 22nd, 2009 9:34 am ET

Silly CNN. The only politicians who need to resign after having an affair are Democrats. If you're a Republican, it's just one of the expected perks of the job (Ensign, Vitter, Craig, Foley, Gingrich, Hyde the list goes on). And the best part is, even as you violate your own marriage vows, you get to lecture others on the "sanctity of marriage" and determine who can and cannot get married in this country. It's a pretty sweet gig.

Dave Easterwood   June 22nd, 2009 9:33 am ET

Just another holier than thou hypocrital faschist.

chuck   June 22nd, 2009 9:32 am ET

Another “Family Values” Republican without actual family values; I AM SCHOCKED….

D. Tree   June 22nd, 2009 9:29 am ET

...as well they should, for all politicians who preach morals but practice immorality!

yuri   June 22nd, 2009 9:29 am ET

But of course! Cheating on wives have become or are becomin' a fashion statement for the pompous politicians, who pronounce their affairs in public, sometimes, with pageantry.

Frank   June 22nd, 2009 9:29 am ET

In my opinion, a person who can not keep their marital vows and violates the trust of their spouse and family can't be trusted in more major things like the country.

Sari   June 22nd, 2009 9:29 am ET

625 voters? With a 4% margin of error?!?! Yet another useless survey brought to you by The Review Journal. I said the same when they polled about Harry Reid. As a resident of Las Vegas, I personally see no use for that trashy-rag-that-calls-itself-a-newspaper than lining bird cages.

That being said, Ensign's numbers would probably be worse if accurate polling WERE done. He's just screwed too many Nevadans over.

Rich Monk   June 22nd, 2009 9:28 am ET

The biggest hypocrites eventually go down hard.
You Republican Swine!

mw   June 22nd, 2009 9:27 am ET

My, my. Who would have thought!!! Another "pure" repug found to be a hypocrit. Imagine that.

George   June 22nd, 2009 9:26 am ET

What did he want President Clinton to do? He should take his own prescriptions as remedy for adultery. He now wants to be seen as a victim. This double faced idiot should know that the real victim here is the man whose marriage and family he has destroyed. Shame on you senator, your sins have caught up with you. You threw the heaviest rocks at Bill Clinton, only to find yourself on the same chair. This couple was working for you and your family values platform. REALLY.

rand   June 22nd, 2009 9:25 am ET

It's not that Ensign had an affair that bugs me. It's the complete hypocrisy that seems to be plaguing the GOP in general.

Here we have a "rising star" of the GOP that voted to have Clinton removed from office for his affair with Lewinsky. Plus, he has been a huge opponent of the equal marriage act. But the thing that bugs me the most is his holier than thou involvement with THE PROMISE KEEPERS which is a conservative evangelical group that promotes strong families and marriage.

I usually don't care what goes on behind closed doors. But this guy is slime and he has blatantly proved it.

Pat-Indianapolis   June 22nd, 2009 9:25 am ET

Despite this he's still more popular in his homestate than his working partner Harry Reid. Reid is viewed even more unfavorably.

I can see Canada from my house!   June 22nd, 2009 9:24 am ET

The funny thing about this whole business is that both Ensign and Senator Vitter represent states where prositution is either legal, or where people turn a blind eye towards this sort of thing. The lack of so-called "traditional morality"(which is really just a desire to judge people for behavior they have not been caught at yet themselves) or people's willingness to compartmentalize it, is actually saving their careers. Does anyone find the irony of this amusing?

Terry from West Texas   June 22nd, 2009 9:24 am ET

A lot of men have affairs. I would say that the more prominent the man, the more likely that he has had an affair. Many women find powerful men to be intoxicating, and they provide an easy target, especially for a man who likes to have his ego stroked.

While I believe that any Conservative should be thrown out of office by the voters because of their unsavory political beliefs, I don't want to investigate the sex lives of our public servants. There is no law against adultery, and I can't see that the republic is in any danger because of it. While it seems hypocritical for a "family values" Republican to preach one thing while doing another, Republicans must by now realize that their leadership does not believe in any of that stuff they've been saying all these years. If they really did, they would have actually tried to implement some of it, but they never have. Not even once.

I would much prefer to give everyone in Congress a polygraph test during which they are asked if they have broken any laws or told any lies while in office.

J Wills   June 22nd, 2009 9:22 am ET

To cheat on your wife is bad.

To cheat on your wife with someone ELSE'S wife is even worse.

To cheat on your wife with someone ELSE'S wife and that man works for you

- proves you're just a low-life scum bag.

pat   June 22nd, 2009 9:19 am ET

The sad thing is that I expect a vast major of congress (both parties) have affairs. Read "Inside Congress" by Ronald Kessler. If there is one thing that congress is bipartisan about, that is taking advantage of tax payers moneys, PAC contributions, acting above the law. Why don't you report on this abuse CNN?

Peoples Voice   June 22nd, 2009 9:18 am ET

And in another sign of hypocrisy, he is not going to resign like he advised Clinton and Craig to do. Then I didn't expect him to. He is, after all, a Republican.

Hannah Stevens   June 22nd, 2009 9:17 am ET

Do people really care if a politician is having an affair? Probably not but I would guess it all comes down to the dishonesty of it. If he/she is cheating on a spouse then he/she could cheat on you and me. When are these guys going to get it?

John E Lexington KY   June 22nd, 2009 9:17 am ET

Like Gingrich, Vitter, etc. Ensign who played Clinton's affair for all it was worth (and in the process prevented Clinton from firing the weak FBI director Freeh because it would have looked like a coverup at a time when the 9/11 terror plots were being hatched) is quite forgiving of himself, even though there is money involved (both the woman and her husband got suspicious raises and promotions during the affair). He should be forced to resign. What he did is way beyond Larry Craig, but of course Ensign only destroyed a marriage and two careers – make that three – why should he be contrite? I will give him credit for one thing – he didn't trot out his wife to his new conference a la Vitter and Craig.

The Republican Party has a unique method of recruiting senatorial candidates. It trolls for pond scum and only puts up the slimiest.

Mark   June 22nd, 2009 9:16 am ET

His popularity will rebound. He's a great senator with great ideas. His wife forgives him so do I. Plus, he was separated from his wife at the time.

Dutch/Bad Newz, VA   June 22nd, 2009 9:15 am ET

Of course they dropped. Who does he think he is?... Bill Clinton

SJ   June 22nd, 2009 9:15 am ET

More "do as I say, not as I do" from the "party of personal irresponsibility." The GOP.

tom limperos   June 22nd, 2009 9:13 am ET

One more lying cheating politician.Term limits please.

Rumsfeld   June 22nd, 2009 9:12 am ET

The political obituary of Senator Ensign has been written. The price paid for the choices that are made. Wish him the best understanding full well that he should no longer hold a public office.

Ugly partisan hypocrite   June 22nd, 2009 9:09 am ET

Republican bashing begins in 3...2...1...

dominican mama 4 Obama   June 22nd, 2009 9:06 am ET

I find sen. Ensign's confession a strategic move on his part. He is not up for re-election until 2012, by then the furor and reverberation to his confession would've faded into the woodwork. His party cannot afford to alienate him as a potential frontrunner in '12 as they have few viable options.

He did screw up by not informing his ex-paramour of his intentions to make the affair public knowledge. Now the hubby is none too happy,. Ooops!!

Dawn in Pa   June 22nd, 2009 9:06 am ET

Senater Ensign, what you throw into the karma, comes back threefold,.
which means do not critize others if you are doing the same...

Jay   June 22nd, 2009 9:05 am ET

Yet Another Republican Man of Character.

SLM   June 22nd, 2009 8:56 am ET

No kidding!! We're sick and tired of lying and cheating politicians.......both Democrats and Republicans. This may be the only true bipartisan issue!!

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