By Deborah Keeling
Putting an end to months of speculation about his political future, Republican Senator John Ensign yesterday announced that he would not seek a third term. Ensign’s decision would trigger a fierce contest for the Nevada seat coveted by Democrats. Ensign is currently facing investigation by the Senate Ethics Committee. Announcing his decision, Ensign said that he decided last week to end his political career only to protect his family from "exceptionally ugly" campaign attacks.

Ensign, 52, acknowledged in June 2009 that he had an extramarital affair with Cynthia Hampton, a former member of his campaign staff. Ensign also admitted helping Hampton’s husband, Doug Hampton, a member of his congressional staff, get lobbying work with a Nevada company. Though no leader officially announced their name to claim the seat, a handful of Republican and Democratic politicians are expected to jump in the fray in the coming days.

Jennifer Duffy, a "Cook Political Report" senior analyst said Ensign's decision was good news for the GOP. "It is still a competitive race, but what Republicans will probably avoid is a pretty nasty primary," she said. "It just clarifies things so much for them." Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, said he is yet to hold talk with candidates, who are willing to contest from Nevada. Talking about Ensign’s decision, Cornyn said that "I think he made the right decision for his family." Ensign would likely have faced Rep. Dean Heller, Nevada Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki or former Senate candidate Sharron Angle if he would have stayed in the race.