Ensign’s marital indiscretion

I never -- ever -- saw it coming. Nevada's No. 1 Republican office holder, U. S. Sen. John Ensign admitted to an affair today. It lasted 9 months. Details remain skimpy, though you can bet that won't last.

He and his wife have worked through it.

There's no sugar coating this development. It tarnishes John's image, makes him a less effective advocate for GOP office seekers down ticket and certainly ends any hope -- slight though it may have been -- of him making a national run for president.

I like John as a person and a senator and this "news" won't change that. I suspect Nevadans will forgive him when/if he runs again. But, let's be realistic: it won't be forgotten. That's a rule of human nature that applies to all, high-profile or no.