January 19, 2010

Contact: Matt Jacob // 202.408.5565

19 Jan 2010 // Washington, D.C. – Upon learning that the FBI has been interviewing witnesses [1] in the scandal surrounding Sen. John Ensign (R-NV), Melanie Sloan, executive director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, stated, “It is not surprising that the FBI is investigating because there is reason to believe Sen. Ensign was involved in at least two felonies: conspiring to help former aide Doug Hampton violate the lobbying ban, and failing to report to the FEC the $96,000 severance payment made to Cynthia Hampton.” Sloan continued, “The fact that the FBI is investigating makes clear that no one -- not even a powerful United States senator -- is above the law. It is time for him to resign.”

Ms. Sloan is available to provide analysis into the legal and ethical implications surrounding Sen. Ensign’s conduct. To schedule an interview, please contact Matt Jacob at 202.408.5565 or mjacob@citizensforethics.org [1].