Ethics Committee: John Ensign violated federal law

[Modbert]

Ethics Committee: John Ensign violated federal law - Manu Raju - POLITICO.com

The Senate ethics committee released a report Thursday alleging that Sen. John Ensign and others violated several federal laws while trying to cover up the sex scandal that ended his Senate career.

In letters to Attorney General Eric Holder and the Federal Election Commission, the ethics panel says Ensign made false statements to the Federal Election Commission, violated campaign finance laws and obstructed the ethics committee’s inquiry. He is also accused of “aiding and abetting” an effort by a former employee to violate lobbying restrictions.

In an extraordinary Senate floor session, Ethics Chairwoman Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) laid out the case against Ensign, revealing more serious legal allegations than expected.

Boxer said the charges were substantial enough to “warrant consideration of expulsion” for Ensign. Ensign chose to resign last week rather than face this possibility.

Good riddance to bad garbage.