Nevada's Ensign Will Not Run In 2012

Sen. John Ensign (R-NV), the scandal-plagued former head of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, will not seek re-election in 2012, according to Real Clear Politics.

The announcement could be seen as some small relief for Democrats that are faced with the specter of trying to retain open Senate seats in Hawaii, North Dakota and Virginia, among others.

President Obama carried Nevada in 2008 and despite a toxic environment for Democrats in 2010, Republicans were unable to oust Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV). Ensign had been viewed as one of the more vulnerable Republicans on the ballot in 2012 after news of his extramarital affair with a staffer was reported in 2009.

Ensign had been raising money for a 2012 run, but higher-ups in the GOP were not quiet about their desire to see Ensign not pursue another term.

Republican operatives are promoting a candidacy by Rep. Dean Heller while Democrats and still mulling their options, according to Real Clear Politics. Rep. Shelley Berkeley, who represents part of the Las Vegas area could be a potential choice for Nevada Democrats.