The couple involved in Sen. John Ensign's affair decided to come clean this afternoon, after rampant speculation. They are Cynthia and Doug Hampton of Las Vegas, both former aides to Sen. Ensign.
And it turns out the good Senator was a considerable cash cow for their family -- to the tune of $207,912 per year.
Who are the Hamptons?
Doug Hampton: An "administrative assistant" to Ensign, described in the Las Vegas media as a long-time friend of the senator's. Monthly salary: $13,555 (or $162,660/yr). Left the senator's employ in May 2008 after receiving a severance payment of nearly $20,000.
Cynthia Hampton: The object of Ensign's affections, named treasurer of both Ensign's "Battle Born" political action committee and his campaign committee in February 2008 (three months after the affair began). Her commbined monthly salary of $1,885 was doubled to $3,771 after her promotion. Left Ensign's employ in May 2008.
Brandon Hampton: Identified by the Associated Press as the Hampton's son. Received about $1,000 a month from the National Republican Senatorial Committee (which Sen. Ensign headed) from March to August 2008 (the month Ensign said the affair ended). No specific duties specified in the AP story.
[UPDATE: Politico reports that Brandon Hampton, age 19, was hired for "research policy consulting." Netted $5,400 before leaving in August.]
So, to recap:
-- While actively having an affair with a campaign staffer, Ensign promoted her and doubled her salary.
-- Just a month later, he began directing NRSC funds to her son, without any apparent reason.
Translation: It's rapidly becoming about a lot more than just sex. Directing campaign funds to the object of his affections sank John Edwards; will IOKIYAR be enough to save Ensign from a similar fate?
And if Sen. Ensign thinks the Hamptons will have his back as more details come out... well, I wouldn't hold your breath, John:
"It is unfortunate the senator chose to air this very personal matter, especially after the Hamptons did everything possible to keep this matter private," [Hamptons lawyer Daniel Albregts] said. "It is equally unfortunate that he did so without concern for the effect such an announcement would have on the Hampton family. In time the Hamptons will be ready and willing to tell their side of the story."
Think allegations of blackmail that have floated about for the last 24 hours might motivate them a bit?
And are other skeletons buried? Possibly... former Las Vegas Sun and Review-Journal political reporter Erin Neff blogged today
that she'd heard rumors of an affair in 2002... but failed to confirm them:
Back when I was a reporter in 2002 at the Las Vegas Sun, I worked hard to get this story to light after talking with his gal pal.
The only reason I thought it was worth a story at the time was because Ensign was an avowed "Promise Keeper" and had railed against Bill Clinton’s affair.
Finally, seven years later, Ensign flew home today to admit the brutal truth I knew back then.
Now that the proverbial shit's hit the fan, will voices that stayed silent in 2002 finally speak up? And what will they have to say?
Things are about to get a lot more interesting for the good Senator from Nevada.