Ex-top aide for Ensign loses job with R&R Partners

WASHINGTON -- Former Capitol Hill aide John Lopez was out of a job at Nevada-based R&R Partners on Monday following the disclosure of his involvement in the corruption scandal that sank the political career of former Sen. John Ensign.

Lopez, Ensign's former chief of staff, emerged as a major figure in the investigation of Ensign's relationship with Doug Hampton, his administrative assistant who was set up in a new career as a lobbyist after discovering that the senator was having an affair with his wife.

The extent of Lopez's involvement was disclosed in a Senate Ethics Committee report that was made public Thursday.

Lopez joined R&R Partners, a leading communications and government affairs firm in the state, after resigning as Ensign's chief of staff in November 2009. Based in Washington, he was vice president for government and public affairs.

But on Monday, the company said Lopez no longer was there.

"Based on mutual agreement, John Lopez is no longer employed at R&R Partners. We have appreciated his work over his time here and wish him the best of luck on his future endeavors," the company said in a statement.

After obtaining immunity from prosecution, Lopez told the Senate Ethics Committee that he served as an intermediary between Hampton and Ensign in what authorities have called a scheme to evade the federal "revolving door" law that prohibits Senate staffers from lobbying the body for a year after they leave.

Lopez, who had worked for Ensign in various roles since 1995, said he acted out of loyalty, but "I was in over my head."

Lopez could not be reached for comment on Monday night. A source familiar with his departure from R&R Partners said Lopez and company principals discussed the report after it was released and agreed to part ways.

Hampton was indicted in March on charges of violating the revolving door law. He had pleaded innocent and his case is pending in federal court in Washington.

Ensign resigned from the Senate on May 3. The leaders of the Senate Ethics Committee referred the panel's findings to the Department of Justice for further action after saying they found "substantial credible evidence" that Ensign may have committed conspiracy and violated other laws.

Las Vegas Review-Journal writer Laura Myers contributed to this report. Contact Stephens Washington Bureau Chief Steve Tetreault at stetreault@stephensmedia.com or 202-783-1760.