Reid takes a step back from Ensign woes

Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., has changed his tune slightly regarding the problems facing fellow Nevadan Sen. John Ensign.

Ensign is facing allegations he orchestrated an illegal lobbying scheme to help cover his tracks following an affair with an employee.

The issue has dogged Ensign since June, but last week the New York Times upped the ante when it published documents suggesting lobbying laws were broken and contradicting Ensign's statements of innocence.

The Senate Select Committee on Ethics has acknowledged it has looked at the issue, but won't say how far any inquiry would or could go.

On Friday, the day the Times article appeared in print, Reid spokesman Jon Summers responded: "Sen. Reid believes this is a personal matter between Sen. Ensign and his family."

On Monday, after Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington sent a letter to the FBI outlining exactly what laws might have been broken, Reid, the Senate majority leader, was asked to respond again.

Said Summers: "The Senate Ethics Committee is looking into the matter. Considering he appoints members to that committee, Sen. Reid believes it would be inappropriate for him to comment."

--