Last quarter, John Ensign raised a mere $50 for his re-election campaign, all of it from a single donor.
On the face of it, the explanation appears simple: Ensign's support has all but dried up in the wake of his sleazy affair with the wife of his former top aide and his attempt to cover up that affair.
But there could be something else going on, however.
Like his Republican colleague Sue Lowden, John Ensign may have embraced the chicken standard. His campaign could be fueled by bartered chickens instead of campaign cash.
That might be the real reason for his meager haul, right? And if so: John Ensign is in a better position than ever.