Ensign sets Nevada appearances

Outwardly undeterred by a poll this week indicating he would lose badly in a Republican primary to Rep. Dean Heller, Sen. John Ensign today announced several public appearances in Nevada next week.

Ensign, up for re-election in 2012, also was holding a fundraiser tonight at the Cava Restaurant off Capitol Hill, aides said.

With Congress in recess next week, Ensign will hold a town hall meeting Tuesday at the Starbright Theatre in Summerlin from 1 p.m.- 2 p.m. The next day he will be at Sun City MacDonald Ranch in Henderson from 11 a.m. to noon.

On Thursday, Ensign said he will be in Reno, at the Joe Crowley Student Union Theater at UNR from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The forums will "address the fiscal and economic crisis that threatens the future of our country," according to the announcements. "This is an opportunity for Senator Ensign not only to share his concerns about our nation's future but also to hear from Nevadans about their concerns and their solutions to the serious challenges that we face."