Ethics Panel May Still Rebuke Ensign

[babylonsister]

Ethics Panel May Still Rebuke Ensign

* By Steven T. Dennis
* Roll Call Staff
* April 22, 2011, 3:18 p.m.


Sen. John Ensign’s abrupt resignation spares him the spectacle of public hearings airing the details surrounding his affair with a former aide, but the Ethics Committee appears likely to publicly rebuke his conduct nonetheless.

Ethics Committee Chairman Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and Vice Chairman Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) issued a brief but telling joint statement Thursday night saying that the Nevada Republican made the “right decision” to resign, but also making clear that they would wrap up their work in a “timely” fashion after an exhaustive 22-month inquiry.

The ethics panel loses its ability to formally discipline Ensign after his resignation takes effect May 3, but can still issue a public report on his conduct, or refer its findings to law enforcement if the panel believes a crime may have been committed.

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