Experts predict full inquiry into Ensign

WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 (UPI) -- New information about an affair U.S. Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., had with a former aide should lead to a full ethics investigation by the Senate, experts say.

Melanie Sloan, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics executive director, said the Senate Ethics Committee should conduct a full-blown inquiry into the Nevada politician following allegations Ensign offered to help find lobbying work for his mistress's husband, the Washington publication Politico reported Friday.

"The Senate Ethics Committee is going to have to really look at it," said Sloan, whose group has officially complained to the ethics panel about Ensign's behaviors.

Ensign, 51, has admitted having an affair with campaign staffer Cindy Hampton.

Her husband Doug, a former Ensign staffer, has admitted he failed to register as a lobbyist while working for two Nevada corporations. In addition, He also has admitted he violated a one-year ban on lobbying Ensign following his departure from the senator's staff.

Ethics experts told Politico that Hampton's admissions could result in the political scandal facing a review by the U.S. Justice Department.