I repeat: John Ensign needs to go away

By Michelle Malkin  •  August 2, 2010 12:37 PM

Regular readers know that I’ve said many, many, many, many, many, many times that the GOP can’t demand that Speaker Mop & Glo Pelosi clean the Democrat house until Republicans clean up their own.

It needs to be said again.

In July 2009, I wrote:

Once again, Ensign shows his lack of forthrightness with his constituents and party. Why did he wait to disclose the payments? Is he going to leave Sen. Coburn twisting in the wind? Now, Ensign faces a possible ethics probe.

What more will seep out?

Who else will be dragged down in the process?

How long will he subject the GOP to humiliation?

Republicans can’t combat their political foes’ culture of corruption unless and until they clean up their own.

In May 2010, I asked: “While we’re talking about the GOP Crapweasel Club, someone please tell me why John Ensign is still in office — and why no in the GOP leadership will force his corrupt backside out of office?”

Last Thursday night, the Senate approved a resolution allowing Ensign staffers to testify before a federal grand jury investigating Ensign’s alleged criminal conduct, via The Hill:

Ensign is accused of violating federal rules in finding lobbying work for Doug Hampton, the husband of the former campaign staffer with whom he was having an affair.

Without special permission, staffers are prohibited by Senate rules from testifying outside of Congress.

Ensign colleague and former campaign adviser Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) said July 24 that he had provided emails for the Justice Department’s probe.

There’s a separate Senate ethics committee probe underway.

How much more public embarrassment does the GOP want to invite on this matter? How much more moral equivalence ammo do Republicans want to provide Dingy Harry Reid and Swamp Lady Nancy Pelosi? Ensign violated the public trust, not just his family’s; he enlisted his parents to pay off his mistress/former campaign staffer and her husband/former intimate family friend/Senate employee to the tune of $96,000, payments the Las Vegas Review Journal editorial board described as “consistent with hush money;” and he has made himself poison in the Senate.

Ensign abandoned any moral claim to senatorial courtesy a long time ago.

Corruptocrats don’t deserve indulgence. They deserve a swift kick in the ass.

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Posted in: Corruption,GOP,Politics

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Comments


  1. #1
    On August 2nd, 2010 at 12:54 pm, BurnedOutHippie said:

    I hated to see Ensign, a “promise-keeper”, fall from grace. When I resided in Reno, I changed party affiliation from Libertarian to Republican just to vote for Jim Gibbons and John Ensign in the primaries. Both Gibbons and Ensign have been relative disappointments. That said, I guess you can’t expect people to be perfect, or even good, for that matter.

  2. #2
    On August 2nd, 2010 at 12:54 pm, Pasadena Phil said:

    This upcoming ethics trial with Rangel and Waters is going to morph into an all-consuming circus. Rangel and Waters are going to turn this into an ethics trial of Congress itself since they are correct in pointing out that they are the only ones being prosecuted for doing what just about everyone else is doing.

    Why are Dodd and Frank being tried e.g.? There is hardly anyone in DC who could survive a dose of daylight.

  3. #3
    On August 2nd, 2010 at 12:58 pm, Pasadena Phil said:

    Why are Dodd and Frank NOT being tried e.g.?

  4. #4
    On August 2nd, 2010 at 1:00 pm, plymouthacclaim said:

    The Ensign needs to lose his commission…

    (Pun with apologies to any Navy folks.)

  5. #5
    On August 2nd, 2010 at 1:05 pm, txvet2 said:

    No, Ensign doesn’t need to go away, he needs to be put away.

  6. #6
    On August 2nd, 2010 at 1:14 pm, Rogue Cheddar said:

    Now the House is targeting whites?! Will this rampant racism never end?!

  7. #7
    On August 2nd, 2010 at 1:14 pm, Rogue Cheddar said:

    Ensign? More like Wave Apprentice!

  8. #8
    On August 2nd, 2010 at 1:18 pm, rambler said:

    Keep them coming. The reason that all this corruption has been allowed to fester is that so many in DC have things to hide that they can blackmail each other. It’s like watching dominoes fall. I don’t care about how the leave as long as they leave. The pressure is getting to them. They are watching the perks and privileges that they created for themselves evaporate. Corruption has tarnished them all.

  9. #9
    On August 2nd, 2010 at 1:19 pm, Truesoldier said:

    It will be interesting to see if the punishments for Ensign, Rangel, and Waters will be equal for their violations or not.

  10. #10
    On August 2nd, 2010 at 1:25 pm, Rogue Cheddar said:

    On August 2nd, 2010 at 1:19 pm, Truesoldier said:
    It will be interesting to see if the punishments for Ensign, Rangel, and Waters will be equal for their violations or not.

    Ensign will get punishment, Rangel and Waters will reparations. Just sayin is all.

  11. #11
    On August 2nd, 2010 at 1:26 pm, TooMuchTime said:

    Dear Mr. Ensign:

    You were caught so please resign. When Mr. Cunningham was caught, he resigned and got seven years in prison for his crimes. I know that Mr. Cunningham’s penality may make you think that resignation is not the route to take, but you’d be wrong.

    Mr. Ensign, evolve a backbone, stand up, resign, and take your punishment.

    By the way, you’re going to lose the next time you come up for re-election anyway, so save the taxpayers the trouble of removing you. We’d actually like to have our elected representatives doing the work they are paid to do, rather than answering questions to a ethics committee.

    The facts are aligned against you. See the end coming, Mr. Ensign. Do the right thing…leave.

    Signed,

    The hard-working, tax paying citizens you lied to.

  12. #12
    On August 2nd, 2010 at 1:27 pm, TigerLady said:

    It will be interesting to see if the punishments for Ensign, Rangel, and Waters will be equal for their violations or not.

    I don’t have a crystal ball but I’m guessing the punishment won’t be much.

  13. #13
    On August 2nd, 2010 at 1:32 pm, TooMuchTime said:

    More like Wave Apprentice!

    Sexist!

    Of course, if Ensign wants to join the WAVES. Not that there’s anything wrong with that…

  14. #14
    On August 2nd, 2010 at 1:39 pm, Roland said:

    I agree he should resign, but just to keep this in perspective, Ensign is still infinitely more fit to serve than any Democrat.

    He voted against Obamacare.

    It isn’t even close.

  15. #15
    On August 2nd, 2010 at 1:40 pm, John Deaux said:

    That’s the whole plan. Punish the Dems that they can’t ignore any longer, then cap it off with a big public display of the corrupt Republican.

  16. #16
    On August 2nd, 2010 at 1:42 pm, ITookTheRedPill said:

    Regular readers know that I’ve said many, many, many, many, many, many times that the GOP can’t demand that Speaker Mop & Glo Pelosi clean the Democrat house until Republicans clean up their own.

    Republicans need to clean up their own house in Illinois, too…

    Republicans would have a chance to win that Governorship and U.S. Senate seat, if it weren’t for corruption within the Republican Party. It’s being exposed, and if Republicans don’t clean their own house, they will lose an opportunity for wins in November.

  17. #17
    On August 2nd, 2010 at 1:49 pm, Hangfire said:

    It’s no surprise that both Dems and Republicans have so many crapweasels.

    Serving one’s self is a primary motivator. Serving their constituents takes a back seat.

    If Senators and Representatives were only paid $1/ year, there would still be a line a mile long to get in.

  18. #18
    On August 2nd, 2010 at 1:52 pm, Rogue Cheddar said:

    Is it just me or does that pic of Ensign remind you of that shyster televangelist Robert Tilton from the Success-N-Life days, aka, the farting preacher on youtube?

  19. #19
    On August 2nd, 2010 at 1:58 pm, Romeo13 said:

    This all stems from one of the very few flaws in our Constitution… the idea that the only people who can go after a Congressman for wrongdoing, is Congress itself.

    One of the few times there is no real check and balance…

  20. #20
    On August 2nd, 2010 at 2:16 pm, bjc said:

    Corruptocrats don’t deserve indulgence. They deserve a swift kick in the ass.

    *Please allow me to be first in line at this rat bastard; Illegal is illegal, dirty is dirty; The people are sick to death of this behavior,regardless of party, therefore the recurring theme to throw all the bums out!
    *That’s why with politicians and ANYONE in the government, I always say, “Don’t trust, then verify why”; If only the MSM would work by that motto and assist us in identifying what trash to throw out!

  21. #21
    On August 2nd, 2010 at 2:29 pm, DBNinKY said:

    Corruption has infested both parties and both Houses but because of the numbers/seats held, weighs heaviest on the Democrats.

    That said, no amount of sunlight will fully disinfect either House because too many citizens refuse to hold their representatives accountable in elections.

    Whether it’s allegiance to party, gender, race or nationality, too many voters appear content to just look the other way and say nothing while their elected public servant runs rampant.

    Until US citizens decide they’ve had enough of the corruption and scandal coming from all levels of gov and vote accordingly, it’s never going to end. And how can we expect it to?

    I mean, what fox is not going to take advantage of “le palais de poulet” when the farmer just stands around fretting?

  22. #22
    On August 2nd, 2010 at 2:40 pm, T-Bone said:

    Note the Dems talking points. Every time someone mentions Dem wrongdoing, whether its corruption, not listening to the public, ethics, lobbying, passing bad bills, recess appts lying to congress, etc, the Dem strategists always say that BOTH parties are doing it.

    With that statement, they minimize their parties transgressions AND lump the Republicans in the same boat whether its true or not. Dems are not interested in the truth. They want to win and they will lie, cheat and steal, to do so.

    Now they have some “proof” that its all politicians, not just Dems doing the shenanigans. They will milk ths for all its worth. Elephants shold be on their guard for this tactic and have a comeback ready every time. Something like, “This is a Democrat problem, don’t lump in good Republicans without proof. You are pulling a Vilsack.”

  23. #23
    On August 2nd, 2010 at 2:44 pm, T-Bone said:

    On August 2nd, 2010 at 1:27 pm, TigerLady said:
    It will be interesting to see if the punishments for Ensign, Rangel, and Waters will be equal for their violations or not.
    I don’t have a crystal ball but I’m guessing the punishment won’t be much.

    They are looking at reprimand which is what Newt got for his transgressions. That way they can say, Rangel was just like Gingrich and he is running for President as a Republican so Charlie should be able to continue on as usual.
    They are equivicating for political purpose. The blanket statement, “it goes on on both sides” or “all politicians are crooks” feeds that mindset.

  24. #24
    On August 2nd, 2010 at 2:52 pm, TigerLady said:

    That way they can say, Rangel was just like Gingrich and he is running for President as a Republican so Charlie should be able to continue on as usual.

    And so it goes on and on. No wonder people are sick of Washington.

  25. #25
    On August 2nd, 2010 at 3:13 pm, Pasadena Phil said:

    The guy looks like J. Peterman on Seinfeld.

    “Elaine, I’m going to have to see that ($8,000) hat.”

  26. #26
    On August 2nd, 2010 at 3:33 pm, rambler said:

    If pelosi goes after the GOP more aggressively than she goes after her dems then the fall out should be interesting to watch. She may have only wanted to drain the GOP out of the swamp to make way for more swamp things from her own party.

  27. #27
    On August 2nd, 2010 at 3:59 pm, ScottG said:

    Sadly, there are no more Rs of stature left in Nevada at this time to take his spot. We might end up with Reid II after he gets waxed for guv….

  28. #28
    On August 2nd, 2010 at 4:18 pm, NJ-Aviator said:

    It’s amazing how politicians protect each other.

    At least until it’s more poisonous to them than attacking the politician in question.

    It’s imperative that politicians be afraid to protect a fellow corrupt-o-crat because of the cost to their career. The sheeple have to wake up.

  29. #29
    On August 2nd, 2010 at 4:29 pm, Rogue Cheddar said:

    On August 2nd, 2010 at 3:13 pm, Pasadena Phil said:
    The guy looks like J. Peterman on Seinfeld.

    “Elaine, I’m going to have to see that ($8,000) hat.”

    [J. Peterman is reading People magazine; Elaine enters]
    Elaine Benes: Mr. Peterman, here are these pages that you wanted –
    J. Peterman: One moment.
    [enchanted]
    J. Peterman: I’m reading the most fascinating article on the most fascinating people of the year… And, done.

  30. #30
    On August 2nd, 2010 at 4:38 pm, RedDog said:

    On August 2nd, 2010 at 3:13 pm, Pasadena Phil said:
    The guy looks like J. Peterman on Seinfeld.

    … more like a son of John Gotti. eeeeeee Where’s Sammy “The Bull” Gravano?

  31. #31
    On August 2nd, 2010 at 6:06 pm, Straight_Talk_Luigi said:

    That’s a good point. I had forgotten all about Mr. Ensign.

    I wonder—is his approval rating still higher than that of Harry Reid’s?

  32. #32
    On August 2nd, 2010 at 6:17 pm, California Red said:

    sure gives the Dem’s some ammo to return fire when we bring up Chuck and Max.

  33. #33
    On August 2nd, 2010 at 6:20 pm, Hangfire said:

    OT

    My Yahoo homepage has not updated Michelle Malkin, Ann Coulter, or FOXNews for a week.

    What gives?

    Reuters, ABC, Top Stories, and Local News are updated!

    Don’t they like conservatives at Yahoo?

  34. #34
    On August 2nd, 2010 at 6:41 pm, jamesgreenidge said:

    On August 2nd, 2010 at 6:20 pm, Hangfire said:

    Don’t they like conservatives at Yahoo?

    It’s more than disturbing, it’s an outrage. People — especially young people — log in there with the idea that any conservative view or news is archaic or irrelevant. Google is guilty as well. Is there no fair and balanced web portal?

    James Greenidge
    Queens NY

  35. #35
    On August 2nd, 2010 at 8:58 pm, swede said:

    Don’t they like conservatives at Yahoo?

    Sure. For target practice.

  36. #36
    On August 2nd, 2010 at 9:30 pm, Savage24 said:

    The problem with the Republican Party today is their lackluster approach to political corruption. They make a little noise now and then, but their heart isn’t really into it. Corruption has become a way of life in all levels of government and will continue until the American people clean it up. Politicians will not do it themselves.

  37. #37
    On August 3rd, 2010 at 9:28 am, GladzKravtz said:

    Is there no fair and balanced web portal?

    One’s brain is the only gatekeeper.

  38. #38
    On August 3rd, 2010 at 1:28 pm, cheapseat said:

    What Ensign gives his girlfriend’s hubby a job and we rush to judgement that this is criminal. Maybe he just wanted to get the hubby out of the house in the evening more by attending fundraising chicken dinners so he could attend to the girl’s needs. Coulda happened!

  39. #39
    On August 3rd, 2010 at 1:39 pm, NestingHawk said:

    I like Yahoo as a web portal, but their news is a joke. The only news-like service I seriously use them to access is the weather.

  40. #40
    On August 3rd, 2010 at 5:28 pm, Mark said:

    Wow! guess I hit a nerve since my comment was spiked.

  41. #41
    On August 3rd, 2010 at 9:47 pm, loob said:

    Even more important than John Ensign’s corruption, who is the guy in the background with that hair?

  42. #42
    On February 10th, 2011 at 10:54 am, rocketman said:

    ***
    Most of these corruptocrats–of both political parties–serve themselves much better than they serve those who elected them to office. Most entered their jobs as poor people–and became rich selling us out to special interests. Labor unions, PAC’s, big companies, etc.
    ***
    I’m an equal opportunity guy–equal jail time for those convicted of crimes. The current Department of (social) Justice and IRS don’t seem too interested in investigating how these corrupt clowns got rich if they have a “D” after their names.
    ***
    And the stupid voters keep re-electing them.
    ***
    John Bibb
    ***

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