Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., has resigned his post as the number-four Republican leader a day after admitting he had an affair with a campaign staffer, possibly marking an end to the advancement of his once-promising political career.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., confirmed it Wednesday afternoon.
“He’s accepted responsibility for his actions and apologized to his family and constituents,” McConnell said in a statement. “He offered, and I accepted, his resignation as chairman of the Policy Committee.”
Ensign is likely to be succeeded by the number-five Republican leader, John Thune, R-S.D., a relative Senate newcomer who currently serves as the GOP conference vice chairman.
Leadership aides said Sens. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., are being talked about as possible successor to Thune, if he makes the likely move into Ensign’s spot.
Ensign’s affair took place in 2007 and 2008 with a woman whose husband worked for Ensign’s senate office.
