Republican politicians love preaching about "family values" and "morality," but it's pretty much become a cliche that they don't practice what they preach. Exhibit #5,782,439.Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) has acknowledged an extramarital affair with a campaign staffer in a statement released by his office. "I deeply regret and am very sorry for my actions," said Ensign. He is expected to announce the affair at a press conference at 6:30 pm tonight. The affair, which was with a woman who worked for both Ensign's re-election campaign and his Battle Born leadership political action committee, began in December 2007 and ended in August 2008. Ensign's wife, Darlene, said that the couple's "marriage has become stronger" and added: "I love my husband."Prior to this incident, Ensign had been considered a rising star in the Republican Party and a possible 2012 presidential contender. I would say "not anymore," except that Newt Gingrich is still considered a Republican Party leader and potential 2012 contender despite his two divorces and extra-marital affair, so who knows...
P.S. For a comprehensive list of Republican sex scandals, click here.
UPDATE: Think Progress points out that Ensign once said "Marriage is an extremely important institution in this country and protecting it is, in my mind, worth the extraordinary step of amending our constitution." Yeah, looks like we need to "protect" it from people like John Ensign.
