Former Sen. Ensign aide admits to misdemeanor

WASHINGTON (AP) — An aide to former Republican Sen. John Ensign pleaded guilty Thursday to a misdemeanor violation of a law that prohibits congressional aides from lobbying for at least a year after leaving a job.

Doug Hampton, Ensign’s former administrative assistant, had originally been charged with seven felony counts of violating a one-year ban on former staffers lobbying the Senate. Under terms of the agreement, prosecutors will argue for a sentence somewhere between no jail time and six months as well as a fine ranging from $250 to $5,000.