Ensign's Parents Gave Mistress's Family $96k

An attorney for U.S. Sen. John Ensign says the senator's parents gave his mistress and her family nearly $100,000.

In statement released Thursday, Paul Coggins says Ensign's parents made the gifts "out of concern for the well being of longtime family friends during difficult time."

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Coggins says the gift was made in the form of a check totaling $96,000 in April 2008, after the Nevada Republican had told his parents of his affair.

Ensign last month acknowledged the affair with former campaign aide and family friend Cindy Hampton. He has said the affair continued until August 2008.

Coggins says the money did not come from campaign funds. He says Ensign has complied with all "applicable laws and Senate ethics rules."

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