Records also show Doug Hampton, 47, received a monthly salary of $13,555 as an administrative assistant in Ensign's Senate office. He received a payment of $19,679 for his final month of employment and was off the payroll on May 1, 2008, according to Senate records.

That works out to a little over $162,000 per year, for an "administrative assistant", a common title for what used to be called a secretary. His wife, of course, was also on the payroll of the good senators PAC and campaign staff. As was, apparently, their son.

Remember that number the next time you see a general or admiral testifying before a Senate committee. The base pay for a Lieutenant General with 26 years of service is $13,766 per month - roughly the same as the guy handing the thirsty politician a glass of water...

In fact, the current base pay for rank and file members of the House and Senate is $174,000 per year.

If you still wonder why no political party can seem to get government spending under control, I suggest you re-read this post.

AP - Sen. John Ensign has been quick to describe his dalliance with an aide in brief and simple terms. The affair is over. The apologies made and accepted. No questions will be answered, the married Nevada Republican said in his brief admission of infidelity.

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