Committee conducting preliminary investigation into Ensign, Boxer confirms

Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., confirmed the scandals swirling around Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., have the attention of the Senate Ethics Committee, which she chairs.

Here's what she told CNN on Sunday, via the Washington Times: "Because I'm the chair of the Senate ethics committee, I can't discuss this with you, other than to say that there is a preliminary investigation going on, and we will look at all aspects of this case as we do whenever there's a case before us and try to get to the bottom of it as quickly as we can, in fairness to all," Boxer said. Times link: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/oct/05/gop-leaders-mum-on-possible-ensign-probe/

Jennifer Duffy of the Cook Political Report said she doesn't expect Boxer or other potential investigators to tip their hands.

Said Duffy on Monday, "You will never know what is going on. Ever. Which will be enormously frustrating. There is no statute of limitations on their deliberations. They've been known to go on for years."