Ensign says mistress got $96,000

LAS VEGAS – Sen. John Ensign said Thursday his parents gave his mistress and her family nearly $100,000 “out of concern for the well-being of longtime family friends during a difficult time.”

In a statement through his attorney, Ensign, 51, described the April 2008 payment as a single check for $96,000 given to Cindy and Doug Hampton and two of their children. The Hampton family received the check after the senator told his parents of his affair with Cindy Hampton, a campaign aide and longtime friend.

“None of the gifts came from campaign or official funds, nor were they related to any campaign or official duties,” Ensign’s Dallas-based attorney, Paul Coggins, said in a statement. “Sen. Ensign has complied with all applicable laws and Senate ethics rules.”