Recent Political Scandals

Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., admits on June 16, 2009, in Las Vegas to having an extramarital affair with a woman on his campaign staff. A rising star in the Republican Party who was considered a potential 2012 presidential contender, Ensign called his action "absolutely the worst thing I've ever done in my life." He had an affair with Cindy Hampton, his campaign treasurer and the wife of his best friend, Doug Hampton. In a tell-all interview with "Nightline," Doug Hampton provided details about the affair and its repercussions, including the end of a close 20-year friendship between the two families and the loss of the Hamptons' jobs.