Sen. John Ensign of Nevada resigns

According to news reports today, Sen. John Ensign of Nevada has announced his resignation as US Senator for Nevada.

After a tempestuous scandal regarding an alleged scandal with his aide, possibly paying off his friend and husband of former aide, and ongoing ethics investigations, Sen. Ensign has decided to resign as of May 3.

In comments during his announcement, he said "he has not violated any laws or rules, but said he could no longer subject his family, friends and constituents to further investigations."

In 2009, Ensign acknowledged that he had an extramarital affair with Cynthia Hampton, a former member of his campaign staff, and that he had helped her husband, Doug Hampton, a member of his congressional staff, obtain lobbying work with a Nevada company.

Rumors are Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval to appoint Rep. Dean Heller to finish out the term. This would give Heller, who has announced his intention to run for the Senate seat in 2012 an advantage as a sitting incumbent.