Why Now, Ensign? [Updated]

Since his presidential ambitions, such as they were, are shot anyway, what was the point in bringing it out into the open now?

By the way, there is NO evidence of blackmail made by the Hamptons.

“There are a lot of legitimate questions,” said a Nevada Republican operative who was granted anonymity to speak freely.

Chief among them:

• Has Ensign contacted authorities about the alleged extortion? If not, why not?

• What other reason could Ensign have for revealing the affair?

• Were payments to the Hamptons, documented in Senate and federal election records, intended to ensure their silence about the affair?

• Was the subsequent employment of Doug Hampton at Ensign-connected political consulting firm November Inc. also intended to win his silence? Did Ensign help secure a consulting contract for Hampton from Allegiant Air, which is a significant contributor to Ensign’s campaign funds?

Ending their own silence, the Hamptons appear ready for a public fight.

Pass the popcorn. This should be good.

I agree there has to be much, much more to the story.

It may be very hard for Ensign to move on, especially with the appearance of impropriety in the Hamptons' salaries being raised.

And what about Allegiant Air?