Tea leaves for Ensign

A Public Policy Polling survey released today contains some tea leaves for Sen. John Ensign as he contemplates running for re-election in 2012 amidst ongoing investigations growing from his admitted extramarital affair.

The poll conducted over the weekend showed Ensign with a 41 percent job approval rating, against 48 percent disapproval of his performance. Twelve percent said they were not sure.

Among women, Ensign carried job approval of 40 percent against 49 percent disapproval. Among men, the approval was 42 percent and disapproval was 46 percent.

Ensign's Republican base gave him a 62 percent thumbs up and 28 percent thumbs down. Nevada conservatives approved of his performance by a 61-27 percent margin. His approval rating among moderates was 31 percent while 57 percent disapproved of his performance.

Ensign has not ruled out running for re-election even as his campaign fund is being eaten by legal bills and fellow Washington Republicans seem unenthusiastic about the idea. Other members of Nevada's congressional delegation are eyeing his seat as well.