Berkley eyes Ensign’s travails and his Senate seat

It's not just Republicans keeping a close watch on the travails of Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev. Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., says she, too, is aware fallout from an affair scandal threatens the career of the once-popular Ensign.

On Thursday Berkley told the editorial board of the Review-Journal that Ensign's problems change the calculus behind the process she'll use to determine to run for the seat. (View video)

"The circumstances have changed and I would take a good look at it," Berkley said.

The popular Las Vegas congresswoman also acknowledged she has a relatively secure seat right now and some plum committee assignments.

"I would be loath to give up what I have," she said.

During the meeting at the newspaper, Berkley also said she's considering holding a town hall meeting in October to discuss health care reform.

Berkley was fresh off an appearance before the Clark County Democratic Black Caucus on Wednesday. At the event, anti-health reform protesters confronted Berkley, who is already scheduled to hold a town hall event by telephone this month.

They urged her, mostly with boos, to hold a live event on the subject.

"I've got the message and I've got it loud and clear," said Berkley, who interacted extensively with the protesters before the event.

On Thursday at the meeting with the newspaper, she said she's considering a live event.

"After my experience last night, I decided I will do a town hall," she said.

She said it would most likely occur in October, once there are more specific health reform proposals on the table.

"I want to wait until I have something," she said.