Ensign plans to run for re-election

Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) has no plans to step down and intends to run for re-election in 2012, the Nevada Republican told the Las Vegas Sun yesterday.

Ensign said he’s gotten calls and emails from supporters encouraging him to stay in the Senate despite the messy scandal surrounding his affair with a former staffer.

When asked Monday whether he had any thoughts about stepping down, Ensign said his supporters are sending one message: “They say, ‘Don’t.'”

“I fully plan on running for reelection,” Ensign said late Monday evening. “I’m going to work to earn their respect back.”

The two-term Republican senator was back on offense Monday, saying his support is coming from his fellow senators as well as those “on both sides” of Senate leadership.

Ensign said his supporters are telling him, “Keep your head up. This thing will pass.”