LAS VEGAS -- An aide to 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.

“Within the past month, Doug Hampton's legal counsel made exorbitant demands for cash and other financial benefits on behalf of his client. Doug Hampton’s outrageous demand was referred to Senator Ensign’s legal counsel, who is handling the matter going forward," said spokesman Tory Mazzola.

“Doug Hampton first approached the media,” said Mazzola, who declined to use the word "extortion."

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, Daniel Albregts.

Albregts said it was “unfortunate” Ensign admitted to the affair Tuesday, adding “the Hamptons did everything possible to keep this matter private.”

Albregts did not return phone calls to FOX5.