Ensign might seek leadership post

WASHINGTON -- Sen. John Ensign of Nevada on Monday said he would consider seeking a new Republican leadership post after the November elections.

The fifth-ranking Republican leadership post -- conference vice chairman -- may be open.

The current vice chairman, Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, may succeed Ensign as chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee for the 2010 elections, the Capitol Hill newspaper Roll Call reported Monday,

"I'm going to look at my options," said Ensign, who has ruled out a second term as NRSC chairman.

In 2006, Ensign planned to run for GOP conference chairman before Cornyn announced he would pursue the position.

Instead, Ensign decided to lead the NRSC during a hostile election cycle in which 23 Republican seats must be defended.

"I think this job is so important right now, as hard as it is," Ensign said.

As NRSC chairman, Ensign recruited Republican candidates for the Senate, and is giving them strategic advice and raising money on their behalf.

With 49 Republicans in the Senate, Ensign said it would be "a great (election) night" in November if the GOP can hold 45 or 46 seats. Some analysts have said the party could lose eight seats or more.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., showed his gratitude last July by selecting Ensign over two more senior Republicans for a seat on the coveted Senate Finance Committee.

McConnell and Cornyn are among the Republican senators up for re-election this year, and both are expected to win. But if they lose, Ensign's leadership options could grow.

On the other hand, Ensign said there is a possibility he may not seek a leadership post at all.

"Like I said, we'll see what the fall has to offer," he said. "There is plenty of time to make a decision."