Ethics Committee: Ensign in Violation of Lobbying Laws

The Takeaway

The Senate Ethics Committee says it has “substantial and credible evidence” that former Nevada Senator John Ensign, who left office over a sex scandal and its sordid cover-up, violated campaign finance and lobbying laws. The committee accused the former lawmaker of paying a high severance to one of his former aides in the fallout of an extramarital affair, as well as helping the aide violate the law. Had Ensign still held office, the Committee found his actions would have been grounds for expulsion. But are Ensign’s troubles over? Joining us is The Takeaway’s Washington Correspondent Todd Zwillich, who says that the Ethics Committee has sent letters suggesting Ensign might be ripe for criminal prosecution as well.

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