And Don't Let The Door Hit You On The Way Out

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican John Ensign of Nevada apologized Monday to an all but empty Senate chamber for his extramarital affair with a former aide and hoped aloud that his legislative record would speak as his legacy.

Ensign announced in June 2009 that he had an extramarital affair with Cynthia Hampton, a former member of his campaign staff. Amid the scandal, his parents provided the Hamptons with $96,000, described as a gift, and Ensign helped find Doug Hampton, the husband, a lobbying job. The senator announced his resignation in late April.

Ensign’s farewell speech was notable as much for who was not there as for what he said. Not a single colleague came to hear him speak or to pay tribute to his service. The gallery was empty of family members and staffers who often pack its seats for such occasions. Five of Ensign’s staffers lined a bench on the Senate floor during his address; one could be seen wiping a tear with a tissue.

In the presiding officer’s chair, freshman Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., opened a folder on his desk and appeared to begin writing remarks on a separate matter the moment Ensign began speaking.

Bin Laden is summarily executed, but this prick won't even do time?