Ensign says his parents paid Hamptons $96,000
A lawyer for U.S. Sen. John Ensign says the senator's parents gave $96,000 to the family of the woman with whom he was having an affair around the time she and her husband were dismissed from his employ last year.
The April 2008 check was intended as four $12,000 gifts to Cindy Hampton, her husband Doug and two of their children. Cindy and Doug both worked for Ensign, and Doug has described receiving a "severance" payment when Cindy left Ensign's campaign staff.
Ensign's father, Mike, is a wealthy former casino executive.
The full statement from Ensign lawyer Paul Coggins:
"In April 2008, Senator John Ensign’s parents each made gifts to Doug Hampton, Cindy Hampton, and two of their children in the form of a check totaling $96,000. Each gift was limited to $12,000. The payments were made as gifts, accepted as gifts and complied with tax rules governing gifts.
"After the Senator told his parents about the affair, his parents decided to make the gifts out of concern for the well-being of long-time family friends during a difficult time. The gifts are consistent with a pattern of generosity by the Ensign family to the Hamptons and others.
"None of the gifts came from campaign or official funds nor were they related to any campaign or official duties. Senator Ensign has complied with all applicable laws and Senate ethics rules."
