Ensign denies any wrongdoing

Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., says he did nothing illegal to cover up his affair with a former staffer and that he is "very fortunate to have a forgiving wife."

Ensign is doing an interview this morning on 840 KXNT with host Alan Stock, a local Las Vegas talk radio show.

Ensign says his efforts to help former staffer Doug Hampton, the husband of his affair partner Cindy Hampton, did not amount to a violation of Senate ethics rules regarding lobbying as Hampton has alleged.

"It is a very common practice, it is perfectly legal," Ensign said of his efforts to help Hampton make job contacts after leaving his Senate job.

He compared it to any former employer making a recommendation on behalf of a departing employee. Ensign also said he won't resign.

"I was elected to a six-year term by the people of Nevada and I fully intend on serving that out," he said.

Ensign also says he disagrees with health care legislation supported by Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev.

"I fight against ideas Harry Reid believes in every day," Ensign said. "On health care I believe he is 100 percent wrong. I believe this is terrible legislation."