If the condom fits, a vote you must not git: Mitch McConnell declines to endorse Ensign

[Amerigo Vespucci]

Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) is mired in a sex and corruption scandal that, in his own understated terminology, has been "not good." Having been caught paying hush money through his parents to his former mistress, the wife of a former staffer, he faces an uphill climb for reelection. Yet he has decided to seek it anyway.

He'll do so without the robust support, it appears, of Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).

McConnell was asked by a reporter after lunch with colleagues Tuesday if he'd be supporting Ensign in his quest for reelection.

"Well, I think Senator Ensign will have to speak to those issues himself. And you can ask him about it," he said.

So we did, but an Ensign spokesman (quite logically) referred us back to McConnell's office, which declined to comment further.

[saltpoint]

1. Ensign is cooked. His pals in the GOP leadership aren't exactly

springing to his defense.

Maybe they'd re-evaluate their disdain if John's folks sent 'em all a check for $12,000.

[rurallib]

2. don't let them bullies push you around, John. You run if you want to!

Sara Palin will come and campaign for you, too, because you have values!

[karynnj]

3. Is he even up for re-election in 2010 - I know Reid is, so I am surprised he would be too.