Senior Ensign aide leaving

Pam Thiessen, a longtime senior adviser to Sen. John Ensign, is leaving his staff, his office confirmed Friday.

Thiessen has been Ensign’s legislative director and served as staff director of the Republican Policy Committee when the Nevada Republican was a part of the Senate leadership. Ensign resigned that post in June 2009 after acknowledging an extramarital affair.

“Pam Thiessen has been an integral member of Senator Ensign’s team and has helped implement an effective legislative agenda that Senator Ensign is very proud of,” Ensign’s office said in a statement. “She has the senator’s complete support as she moves on in a few weeks and we thank her for her loyal service.”

Thiessen, who could not be reached immediately, joined Ensign’s staff shortly after he was elected senator in 2000.

Ensign spokeswoman Jennifer Cooper said Thiessen was leaving for another job, and the departure was unrelated to the senator’s continuing investigation by the Senate ethics committee on issues related to the affair. She will remain on staff for the next few weeks, his office said.

Thiessen’s husband is Marc Thiessen, an author and columnist and former speechwriter for President George W. Bush and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld.