TPMMuckraker

Read Ensign’s Legal Defense Fundraising Letter

Sen. John Ensign (R-NV)

Sen. John Ensign (R-NV) has begun soliciting contributions for his legal defense fund.

Ensign established the fund in June and then took the unusual step of registering it as a political organization.

In the letter, he writes, “As I am sure you are aware, I admitted last year to making the worst mistake of my life.”

Read the letter, via the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

He goes on to say that he’s worked hard to be a better person. But he also maintains his innocence, and blames his legal problems on “a liberal organization, CREW.”

“I have been accused of things I absolutely did not do,” he writes.

He then asks for donations up to $10,000, noting that lobbyists and foreign officials are not allowed to donate.

Ensign is being investigated by the Senate ethics committee for potentially breaking the rules by setting up a former staffer with a lobbying gig. Ensign has admitted to an affair with the staffer’s wife, and to having his parents pay the couple $96,000 after they left his employ. The DOJ is also investigating.

Ethics, John Ensign, Lobbyists, Nevada

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