Ensign 'Truly Sorry' For Affair
Senator Says 'Closeness' With Woman Led To 'Inappropriate Behavior'
POSTED: 3:43 pm PDT June 16,
2009
UPDATED: 9:29 am PDT June 17,
2009
LAS VEGAS -- Nevada Sen. John Ensign, looking apologetic and speaking in a solemn monotone voice, admitted Tuesday that he cheated on his wife Darlene last year.“I am truly sorry,” he said, adding that he was “truly blessed" that she has found it in her heart to forgive me after the couple underwent counseling.The Republican senator, whose has recently been mentioned as a possible 2012 presidential candidate, did not take questions from reporters.Survey: Are You Surprised By John Ensign's Admission Of An Extramarital Affair?Darlene Ensign was not at her husband’s side when he addressed reporters at the news conference. Ensign spoke for less than two minutes, acknowledging that the affair was with a married woman who worked for his campaign but refusing to identify her.
Video: Is Nevada's Ensign Eyeing The White House?Ensign said the woman and her husband were “close friends” and that closeness “led to my inappropriate behavior.”He added that he was “committed” to his service in the Senate before walking out of the room.Here is Ensign's full statement, released shortly after his news conference:“I came home to Nevada to come forward and explain to the citizens of our state something that I was involved in about a year ago. Last year, I had an affair. I violated the vows of my marriage. It is the worst thing I have ever done in my life. If there was ever anything in my life that I could take back, this would be it.“I take full responsibility for my actions."“I know that I have deeply hurt and disappointed my wife Darlene, my children, my family, my friends, my staff and others who believed in me. To all of them, especially my wife, I am deeply sorry. I am truly blessed to have a wife who has forgiven me. We sought counseling last year and have built a stronger marriage -- stronger than ever."“I will not mention any names, but the woman who I was involved with and her husband were close friends and both of them worked for me. Our families were close. That closeness put me into situations which led to my inappropriate behavior. We caused deep pain to both families and for that I am sorry.“I am committed to my service in the United States Senate and my work on behalf of the people of Nevada."“Thank you.”
Video: Is Nevada's Ensign Eyeing The White House?Ensign said the woman and her husband were “close friends” and that closeness “led to my inappropriate behavior.”He added that he was “committed” to his service in the Senate before walking out of the room.Here is Ensign's full statement, released shortly after his news conference:“I came home to Nevada to come forward and explain to the citizens of our state something that I was involved in about a year ago. Last year, I had an affair. I violated the vows of my marriage. It is the worst thing I have ever done in my life. If there was ever anything in my life that I could take back, this would be it.“I take full responsibility for my actions."“I know that I have deeply hurt and disappointed my wife Darlene, my children, my family, my friends, my staff and others who believed in me. To all of them, especially my wife, I am deeply sorry. I am truly blessed to have a wife who has forgiven me. We sought counseling last year and have built a stronger marriage -- stronger than ever."“I will not mention any names, but the woman who I was involved with and her husband were close friends and both of them worked for me. Our families were close. That closeness put me into situations which led to my inappropriate behavior. We caused deep pain to both families and for that I am sorry.“I am committed to my service in the United States Senate and my work on behalf of the people of Nevada."“Thank you.” Copyright 2009 by KVVU.com. All rights reserved.
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