LAS VEGAS -- An aide to Sen. John Ensign said Doug Hampton demanded money from the senator, fueling speculation that an extortion attempt forced Ensign to admit an affair with Hampton's wife, Cynthia.

Spokesman Tony Mazzola said the demands for “cash and other financial benefits” were made through an attorney within the past month.

At the same time, FOX5 has confirmed that Hampton sent a letter begging for help from a FOX Newschannel anchor.

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Hampton, who was also employed by Ensign at the time of the affair, called on the network’s Megyn Kelly to help him expose the relationship. The network did not air the letter, and told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that it did not tip off Ensign to Hampton’s intentions.

“Please help me! This should not be how the leadership of our country should be allowed to behave,” Hampton wrote in the letter, adding that he and others had confronted Ensign about the affair with his wife.

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The existence of the letter, which was published in the Las Vegas Sun Friday, contradicts a statement earlier this week from the Hampton’s attorney. Las Vegas lawyer Daniel Albregts said it was “unfortunate” Ensign admitted to the affair Tuesday and “the Hamptons did everything possible to keep this matter private.”

Albregts did not return phone calls to FOX5.