Ensign Apologizes For Affair, Gets Round Of Applause From GOP Lawmakers

Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) apologized to his Republican colleagues at Tuesday's weekly conference lunch, his first meeting with them since the sex scandal that cost him his leadership position. The short speech earned Ensign a round of applause, according to Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), who was at the meeting.

"I think he plans to be a very good senator from Nevada," Corker said. "All I can say for sure is that it was very, very sincere, very heartfelt and very well received in our caucus. I just appreciate the way he was today, and I think everybody in our caucus does."

There were no tears from Ensign, Corker said, but "he was obviously somber and serious. And this was not a flippant thing that he did." Though Ensign didn't take any questions from GOP colleagues, Corker said, "He answered the questions I had. Today he did what he needed to do with us."

"We all recognized what a painful experience this has been for not just his family, but for all those involved," Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) said. "We appreciated him saying how sorry he was."

Ensign did not go into much detail regarding reaction in his home state, Corker said, adding that he had little interest in those particulars.

"I don't follow it blow by blow, obviously," Corker said. "I'm not from Nevada."

Get HuffPost Politics On Facebook and Twitter!

Comments

[AmericanWarrior]

Well at least it was with a female. I mean really? When you heard about his affair, did you not think it would be with some pager or young boy he went to church with?

[Mysticalsister]

Of course they applauded! Half of them have problems of their own!

Gopers are the Religion of Moral Turpitude unto themselves, granting absolution and keeping the
high moral tone one would expect from such pillars of society.

[republicrat1]

I heard some of Obama's media outlet is running out of money..wil­l the WH bail them out?

What Gives? ABC, CBS Newscasts Hit All-Time Ratings Lows

TVNewser has learned the CBS Evening News has once again set an all-time low last week with 4.89 million Total Viewers and 1.42 million A25-54 viewers. But it was also the lowest (since records began in the 1991-'92 season) for ABC's World News with Charles Gibson. The Gibson program drew 6.42 million Total Viewers and 1.77 million A25-54 viewers.

[frantaylor]

Nobody cares about television any more.

[sviolette]

What does any of that crap have to do with this subject? Go to the media section of this website to talk about the media.

[Mysticalsister]

ABC/Disney is in the conservative's column -- I guess people have figured that out.

[gayinmt]

Well, when you have nothing to say to defend your own party, bash Obama in a roundabout way. It's worked well so far.

[nowarpleez]

Did this "promise keeper" apologize to the people of Nevada? The GOP is full of hypocrites and liars.

[BurgessPenguin]

He came back to Vegas, held a press conference wherein he said nothing, took no questions, and flew back to D.C. As a senator, he has accomplished nothing for Nevada but always seems to be looking out first and foremost for the GOP and himself.

[sviolette]

How much do you suppose that cost the Nevada taxpayers?

[IowaKid]

Hmmmmmm Republicans do so called apologies and Democrats resign.... Something seems wrong with that picture. Oh that's right if your Republican your above the law.

[JackWhistle]

No no no! Its just that the repuglicans can "change their ways and become good again", and Democrats can't.

[Mysticalsister]

He doesn't owe Nevada a thing. Not even his disdain, apparently.

[lazercat2008]

Sorry, I messed up and got caught guys.

[Mayoyo]

another republican hypocrite.­...

[livinCalDemtbubble]

All a white male republican politician has to do, if he has sex with any woman outside of his marriage, is ask for forgiveness, and he's loved, and somehow, the victim. I'm middle aged, this is how the world was when I was born, and how it is now. nothing's changed, for white republican elected officials. They get a free pass on just about everything from their loyal base, and their colleagues.

[plaidsportcoat]

Would they be so forgiving when it's Olympia Snowe or Susan Collins admitting THEIR affairs? Duh no

[plaidsportcoat]

""We all recognized what a painful experience this has been for not just his family, but for all those involved," Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) said."

For example all Americans who have to abide by rules passed with his ONE-OUT-OF-49 vote for the other 300 million of us. So, there's no way he should remain in office. That's what's flippant.

[majii]

""We all recognized what a painful experience this has been for not just his family, but for all those involved," Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) said."
It's been more painful for Americans losing their jobs, healthcare benefits, 401ks, etc

Why not be so magnanimous with the American people concerning job creation, healthcare with a public option, energy independence, financial regulation, and preserving the environment?

[Steve Wagner]

how will they get paid then?

[CJWebber]

He said he was sorry, didn't he? Jeez. What more do you want, integrity?

[peaches49]

I love it!
Sen. Corker can make it to lunch with the sex scandle cad --- but he can't wait 10 extra minutes to have his scheduled meeting with S. Sotomayor.

[Decipherer]

It is past time for Sens. Ensign and Vitter to do the right thing and resign. Now.

Then, they both should face whatever investigations are required to determine the extent of their criminal liability for these actions.

[Mysticalsister]

don't forget craig.
another pillar of the rethugnican party.

[ChelseaC]

Ensign should go because of his hipocrisy and funding his girlfriend and her son. He's also one of the leading "takers" from the insurance industry which makes his politics all that much more disgusting.

[jorge4u]

No Ensign apologists on this thread?

[DeanAdams]

I am sure there were a lot of "atta boys" and "how was she, can I get her number" from these scumbags