LAS VEGAS, NV - For the first time since the scandal broke last June Senator John Ensign is speaking out locally about the affair that threatens his political and private future and the impact it's having on his service to the people of Nevada.

Senator Ensign sat down this morning for an exclusive interview on Newsradio 840 KXNT's Morning Source with Alan Stock. Action News was the only tv camera allowed inside the studio.

The interview comes in the wake of an interview on ABC's Nightline where Senator Ensign was excoriated by his former employee, the husband of his mistress, a woman who was also Ensign's wife's best friend.

Doug Hampton told ABC's Cynthia Mcfadden the affair with his wife was more than a political betrayal. He alleges Senator Ensign also committed crimes and ethical violations, sexual harassment, wrongful termination and essentially giving the Hampton family hush money through cash provided by the senator's parents.

Here are some of the Senator Ensign's responses on Newsradio 840, KXNT.

Referring to the nightline appearance Stock said Hampton appeared to be bringing the issue up again because things are dying down and asked if Ensign thought Hampton is simply out for vengeance.

Senator Ensign replied he's not getting into Hampton's motivation rather he's trying to focus on the people of Nevada and issues such as health care.

He also responded to Hampton's allegations that he secured a job for him to compensate for Hampton resigning from the senator's employ.

Senator Ensign replied he only recommended Hampton for other positions, something's he's done for other employees during his public political career and his work as a veterinarian.

"My wife and I have worked out (some things) since this time (and) we're actually doing better than we've ever done before. I'm happy to be very fortunate to have a forgiving wife but also someone who has been willing to fight for our marriage during this difficult time," said Senator Ensign.

The majority of the exclusive interview on Newsradio 840, KXNT focused on issues health care, the war on terror and the domestic terrorist act at Fort Hood. You can listen to more of this interview by clicking on the video on the right.