Politicians having affairs while in office or campaigning isn’t exactly an oddity. Look at John Edwards, for example. What is odd is that this confession from Ensign comes apparently without provocation and almost a year since the affair apparently ended.

WASHINGTON (AP)—Sen. John Ensign of Nevada, a leading Republican mentioned as a potential presidential candidate, admitted Tuesday he had an extramarital affair with a former member of his campaign staff.

“I deeply regret and am very sorry for my actions,” the conservative lawmaker said a statement to The Associated Press.

An aide in Ensign’s office said the affair took place between December 2007 and August 2008 with a campaign staffer who was married to an employee in Ensign’s Senate office. Neither has worked for the senator since May 2008. The aide spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the developments…

“I know that I have deeply hurt and disappointed my wife, my children, my family, my friends, my staff and the people of Nevada who believed in me not just as a legislator but as a person,” Ensign said.

Ensign’s wife, Darlene, also released a statement about the affair.

“Since we found out last year we have worked through the situation and we have come to a reconciliation. This has been difficult on both families. With the help of our family and close friends our marriage has become stronger,” Mrs. Ensign said.

His wife says that she has forgiven him and Ensign says having affair was the worst mistake he’s ever made. Apparently he’s sought counciling since the affair was revealed to his wife.

What a disappointment. Not only was it a massive moral failing, but he’s given the media an excuse to paint Republicans as unprincipled sleeze for the next few news cycles. He hurts not only his family but his party. Like I said, disappointing.

Update: Ensign is a Republican, so there’s no “Guess that Party” in this news. The Associated Press manages to mention his affiliation by the second word.